Vera Rogiers

In our latest Minds Behind VICT3R , we’re featuring Prof. Emerita Vera Rogiers, member of the VICT3R Scientific and Regulatory Advisory Board (SRAB). Vera has spent her career advancing alternatives to animal testing, first as the leader of the In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetic Sciences group at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and more recently on the regulatory side, advising the European Commission as co-chair of the SCCS on cosmetic ingredient safety. Joining VICT3R’s SRAB felt like a natural fit with her long-standing commitment to humane and scientifically sound approaches.

• 1. You’ve been a leading voice in advancing alternatives to animal testing for many years. Can you briefly explain to our readers who you are and why you decided to become engaged in VICT3R?
  I am Vera Rogiers, 73 years old, Emerita Professor of Toxicology at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to developing alternatives to animal testing. I led the IVTD (In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetic Sciences) group, building a strong team focused on innovative in vitro methods. Today, while my team continues research in liver disease and drug development, I concentrate on regulatory aspects of cosmetic safety − an area in Europe that is fully animal-free.
  As co-chair of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), I advise the European Commission on cosmetic ingredient safety and organize annual international courses on cosmetics safety. When invited to join the Scientific and Regulatory Advisory Board (SRAB) of VICT3R − a unique public-private partnership to reduce animal use − I felt honored. This initiative aligns perfectly with my lifelong mission to advance humane and scientifically sound alternatives.

• 2. From your perspective, how does VICT3R fit into the broader evolution of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in safety assessment?
  VICT3R contributes to the broader evolution of NAMs in two important ways: 1) It introduces pharmaceutical and other industry actors to the 3R principles: VICT3R actively engages the companies in the 3R (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) framework. When the industry collectively recognizes the benefits and commits to these principles, meaningful change becomes possible. 2) VICT3R promotes data-driven reduction of control animals: the innovative goal of reducing the number of control animals by up to 25% at an individual study level is put forward. Achieving this target requires extensive data integration, which is currently feasible only through the collaborative efforts of the industry − something other parties cannot accomplish on their own.

• 3. VICT3R brings together industry, academia, and regulators in a truly collaborative way. Why do you think this cross-sector approach is so important for achieving real progress in toxicology?
  A cross-sector approach is essential because each stakeholder brings unique strengths that, together, make real progress possible. Academia drives scientific discovery and develops innovative NAMs. Industry translates these innovations into practical solutions and can invest in scaling them. Regulators have to ensure safety and compliance. At this stage, trust and acceptance are critical − without regulatory endorsement, companies hesitate to invest. Collaboration builds mutual understanding and can accelerate validation and standardisation. As such, innovation can move from the lab to real-world application.

• 4. Drawing from your experience, what advice would you give to scientists and policymakers working to advance the 3Rs and integrate innovative approaches like VCGs into regulatory practice?
  To work from the start of the project together as equivalent partners.