Webinar: Openness and transparency agreement on animal research and science

On the 19th of June 2025, we hosted an engaging webinar on openness and transparency in animal research, featuring Dr. Marcello Raspa from the National Research Council of Italy. With extensive experience in preclinical research and animal welfare, Dr. Raspa shared valuable insights into how transparent communication can enhance scientific credibility and public trust.

During the session, he introduced the newly signed Italian Transparency Agreement, which encourages institutions using animals in research to actively engage with the public, share annual progress, and align with similar European initiatives. Dr. Raspa also addressed scientific and logistical challenges in preclinical studies, such as the need to standardize experimental conditions across laboratories to improve reproducibility.

The webinar concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the complexities of comparing in vitro and in vivo models, and the urgent need for improved cryopreservation techniques for 3D organoid systems—an area with significant implications for the future of biomedical research.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar:

🔹 Promoting Transparency in Research – Italy’s new transparency agreement, supported by the Ministry of Health, encourages open communication about animal research practices and fosters stronger public engagement.

🔹 Improving Reproducibility Through Standardization – Environmental differences across institutions can significantly affect research outcomes. Dr. Raspa emphasized the importance of harmonizing conditions and protocols, including strategies like using frozen biological materials instead of live colonies.

🔹 Bridging In Vitro and In Vivo Studies – Comparing data from in vitro and in vivo studies remains a major challenge. The webinar highlighted ongoing efforts to run parallel studies to better align both approaches.

🔹 Future Directions in Cryopreservation – As complex models like 3D organoids become more common, there is a growing need for reliable cryopreservation methods to ensure their long-term viability and research utility.

The recording from the webinar is available below.