Scientists gather at CSIR–CCMB to discuss humane alternatives to animal testing in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: The Society for Alternatives to Animal Experiments–India (SAAE-I), in collaboration with the CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), is hosting the SAAE-I 2025 Conference from October 8 to 10, 2025, at CSIR–CCMB in Hyderabad.

Scientists discuss alternatives to animal testing at Hyderabad meet

The three-day conference has drawn over 180 participants from across the country, including representatives from universities, research institutions and industry. The event aims to foster discussion on innovative and humane alternatives to animal experimentation, guided by the principle of the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction and Refinement.

Focus on organoid models and AI-driven toxicology

The programme features keynote lectures, oral and poster presentations, and interactive sessions on organoid models, in vitro systems, computational biology, toxicology and ethical research innovations.

“With the growing global emphasis on humane science, the search for alternatives to animals in lab experiments is vital to reduce animal use while ensuring scientific rigour,” said Dr Bokara Kiran Kumar, Principal Scientist, and Dr Mohammed Idris, Chief Scientist at CSIR–CCMB, the conference organisers.

They added that modern approaches such as organoid and stem-cell-based models, computational simulations and AI-driven predictive toxicology are transforming biomedical research by offering more accurate and reproducible insights into human biology and disease mechanisms.

“By hosting this event, CSIR–CCMB continues to promote cutting-edge biological research and ethical scientific practices,” they said.