U.S. Scientist Appointed to European Science Advisory Panel

GAITHERSBURG, Md., April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Rodger Curren, co-founder and president of the Institute for In Vitro Sciences, has been appointed as a member of the newly re-organized ECVAM Science Advisory Committee (ESAC). Dr. Curren is one of only two non-European members selected for the committee.

The European Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) was created in 1992 by the European Commission to coordinate the validation of alternative test methods at the European Union level.  The ESAC provides ECVAM with scientific and technical advice concerning test methods under review, in particular, the ESAC functions as ECVAM's independent peer review body. Through its assessment the ESAC ultimately concludes the scientific validity of test methods under consideration. ESAC opinions serve as the basis for the development of detailed ECVAM Test Method Recommendations which summarize the method's applicability, limitations and use for a given purpose.

Curren, who has dedicated most of his career to the validation, use and acceptance of alternative methods and who has received several prestigious honors such as the HSUS Russell & Burch Award, sees his role on the panel as an opportunity to advocate for science-based acceptance policies for new non-animal tests. "It is important that the validation process recognizes the limitations inherent in traditional animal tests, not just the perceived problems with the alternative tests," says Curren.

The committee is currently comprised of 15 external scientists working in academia, industry and public institutions or as independent consultants. The first meeting of the newly organized committee took place at the Joint Research Centre in Ispra, Italy earlier this week. ESAC's conclusions on test method validation studies and the validity of the methods will be published as ESAC Opinions on ECVAM's website.

About IIVS

IIVS is a nonprofit organization wholly dedicated to the promotion of rapid and innovative non-animal testing methods. Founded in 1997, IIVS is recognized as a leading provider of alternative testing in support of toxicological safety evaluations. Rigorous scientific programs coupled with educational and outreach initiatives have established IIVS as a global leader in the advancement of alternatives to animal testing.

SOURCE Institute for In Vitro Sciences

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