An expert roundtable on animal alternatives, NAMs, and the future of in vitro models

Animal models have long been a cornerstone of molecular biology, but scientific, ethical, and regulatory pressures are accelerating the adoption of alternative approaches. As New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) continue to evolve, researchers are reexamining where animal studies add value and where more human-relevant in vitro systems can provide better insight.

In this on-demand research roundtable hosted by The Scientist, leaders from academia, medicine, and industry discuss the shifting role of animal models in molecular biology. The conversation explores how advanced cell models, including 3D in vitro systems, are contributing to more predictive, scalable, and translational research workflows.

Topics discussed include:

• The current limitations of animal models in molecular and translational biology
• How NAMs and advanced in vitro models are gaining regulatory and scientific momentum
• Where non-animal approaches are already making an impact
• Practical considerations for integrating alternative models into existing research pipelines

Inventia Life Science Co-Founder and COO Cameron Ferris, PhD, joins the panel to share perspectives on how scalable 3D cell models can support more human-relevant research without sacrificing experimental rigor.