What does the future of biomedical research look like?
If the Summer Immersion on Innovative Approaches in Science is any indication, it looks collaborative, interdisciplinary, and increasingly human-relevant.
NAVS was proud to participate as a first-time co-sponsor of this year’s Summer Immersion program in Baltimore, joining researchers, students, educators, advocates, and scientific leaders committed to advancing non-animal methods and accelerating the transition toward more predictive, human-centered approaches to research.
Hosted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and the Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), the program provided a unique opportunity for participants to learn from experts across a wide range of disciplines while building the connections needed to strengthen the growing human-relevant science community.
Exploring the Next Generation of Research Methods
Throughout the week, participants engaged in presentations, workshops, and panel discussions exploring some of the most exciting developments in modern biomedical research.
Topics included microphysiological systems, organ-on-a-chip technologies, computational approaches, regulatory science, strategies for securing funding for New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), addressing animal methods bias in scientific publishing and peer review, and overcoming barriers to adoption across research and regulatory communities.
While the science itself was inspiring, one of the program’s greatest strengths was its focus on implementation. Conversations frequently centered not only on developing innovative technologies, but also on ensuring those technologies are validated, funded, accepted, and ultimately integrated into the broader research ecosystem.
That focus reflects a growing recognition across the field: scientific innovation alone is not enough. Building a future beyond animal experimentation requires infrastructure, collaboration, education, and sustained investment in the people driving change.
The IFER Community Takes Center Stage
One of the highlights of the week was seeing the strong presence of researchers connected to the International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER), NAVS’ sister organization dedicated to advancing human-relevant science through research funding and education.
IFER Graduate Fellow Dowlette Alam El Din presented her research on brain microphysiological systems and developmental neurobiology, showcasing the type of cutting-edge work helping expand our understanding of human biology without relying on animal models.
Fellow Alexis Feidler also played a prominent role throughout the program, serving as a panelist, workshop co-host, and session chair. Her contributions reflected both the depth of expertise emerging within the field and the importance of creating opportunities for early-career scientists to take on leadership roles.
It was equally encouraging to see IFER mentors Dr. Lena Smirnova, Dr. Thomas Hartung, and Dr. Jim McGrath sharing their knowledge and experience with participants throughout the week. Their leadership continues to help shape the next generation of researchers working to transform biomedical science.
Seeing fellows, mentors, and students engage with one another highlighted an important truth: advancing human-relevant science is not solely about developing new technologies. It is about building a community of scientists committed to changing how research is conducted.
Investing in the Next Generation
At NAVS, we believe the future of science depends on the people who will lead it.
Programs like Summer Immersion play a critical role in supporting students and early-career researchers by providing access to training, mentorship, professional networks, and practical tools that can help accelerate their careers and strengthen the field as a whole.
These opportunities are especially important as interest in New Approach Methodologies continues to grow. Researchers entering the field today will be responsible for validating, refining, and implementing many of the technologies that have the potential to replace animal experimentation in the years ahead.
Creating spaces where those researchers can learn from one another, exchange ideas, and build lasting collaborations is essential to sustaining momentum.
Looking Ahead
The energy throughout Summer Immersion was unmistakable.
Researchers from diverse disciplines came together around a shared goal: advancing science that is more human-relevant, more predictive, and more humane.
For NAVS, the experience reinforced why supporting education, training, and scientific innovation remains such a critical part of our mission. Progress toward a future beyond animal experimentation depends not only on technological breakthroughs, but also on cultivating the people and partnerships capable of bringing those breakthroughs into widespread use.
We are grateful to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing for organizing such an engaging and impactful program, and to IFER for its partnership and continued investment in the next generation of scientific leaders.
The future of science is being built today—and it was inspiring to spend a week with many of the people helping make that future possible.
