In recent years, Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology has developed from a conceptual idea to a feasible alternative to animal models and conventional cell assays. The potential of OoCs is now getting increasingly recognised among academic researchers, industry representatives and regulatory agencies. Just recently, the OoC technology was highlighted by the World Economic Forum as one of the “Top 10 Emerging Technologies in 2016”.

Due to comprehensive programmes and large financial investment, the US agencies have created a broad coordinated effort, giving the US research and economy a head start in the field of OoC development and application. The technology is of particular interest on a European level, not only due to the REACH regulations for the production and use of chemicals. The EU already banned animal testing for cosmetic ingredients thereby fostering the general implementation of the “3Rs” (reduction, refinement and replacement of animal experimentation) and a recent “Citizen’s Initiative” signed by 1.7 million EU citizens called for a complete ban on animal experiments in the EU by 2020. Without enormous effort, such as we propose, substantial reduction and ultimately replacement of animal experimentation in biomedical research will not be feasible.

The EUROoC proposal thus focuses on three main aspects: the implementation of innovative research projects aiming for industrial translation, the training of early career researchers who will carry this forward in the future, and the foundation of a network of OoC researchers.