Project proposal Bright Minds Assistantships February 2022
Bright Minds Assistantship:
“Accelerating the transition towards animal free testing innovations”
Department: SD, Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development Research Group: Innovation Studies
Involved supervisors: Dr. Simona Negro Mail: s.o.negro@uu.nl
Telephone number: +31 (0)30 253 7166
Project description
Assessment of the safety of chemicals and pharmaceuticals is traditionally based on animal testing. This animal-based approach is ethically debated and does not adequately predict human health effects. Recent technological developments in human tissue cultures and data science offer exciting opportunities for animal-free testing. However, there is still resistance to the diffusion and implementation of these innovations. The aim of this project is to analyse the drivers and barriers towards the diffusion and implementation of these innovations in the Dutch context.
The student-assistant will conduct a historical data review from grey literature (reports, news, professional journals etc.) in order to develop a database which illustrates the emergence of animal free testing innovations in the Netherlands. Additionally, the student-assistant will have the opportunity to conduct interviews with key stakeholders in the Netherlands and participate in the activities of the Virtual Human Platform research project consortium (https://vhp4safety.nl/).
Consequently, he/she will gain valuable experience in utilizing academic research methods and working in a transdisciplinary international research team.
Job requirements
1. Excellent English skills 2. Dutch working language
3. Genuine interest in innovations and sustainability transitions studies 4. Affinity with qualitative research methods
