High-tech animal models
Within the domain bioveterinary research, we develop high-tech animal models that monitor health, behaviour, and disease and deliver precise, ethical, and data-driven insights for animal research. By combining real-time monitoring with smart alternatives to animal experiments such as complex cell systems and in vitro assays, we help reduce, refine and replace the use of animals in research. This approach improves scientific quality, strengthens animal welfare and speeds up innovation in veterinary and biomedical sciences.
Animal models remain essential for the safe development of new veterinary medicines and vaccines. At the same time, there is an urgent need for reliable and ethical monitoring tools. We therefore design animal models that integrate cutting-edge technologies such as sensors, micro-sampling, accelerometers and computer vision.
With these tools, researchers and partners gain richer insights from every study. We can continuously monitor physiology and behaviour, detect early signs of disease before symptoms appear, and validate treatments under controlled, reproducible conditions. Alongside these models, we also develop alternatives, for example, replacing an animal model with an in vitro assay that delivers comparable results, or using complex cell systems to limit animal testing.
Every model we build follows the 3Rs: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement. This ensures fewer animals are used while increasing the quality and reliability of the data. For our partners and our scientific research, this translates into validated insights, predictive models and smarter experimental design that accelerates product development.
Discover our expertises
Expertises
Complex cell systems in animal disease research
Complex cell systems, such as organoids, are miniature, self-organising versions of animal tissues and organs. We develop and apply these advanced models to study animal diseases, test interventions and reduce the need for animal testing.
Epidemiology and data driven innovation in animal disease research
We combine epidemiology with data-driven innovation to better understand, predict and control animal diseases. By integrating models, surveillance data and advanced digital tools, we support decision-making that reduces risks, improves animal resilience and strengthens One Health strategies.
Complex cell systems in animal disease research
Complex cell systems, such as organoids, are miniature, self-organising versions of animal tissues and organs. We develop and apply these advanced models to study animal diseases, test interventions and reduce the need for animal testing.
Epidemiology and data driven innovation in animal disease research
We combine epidemiology with data-driven innovation to better understand, predict and control animal diseases. By integrating models, surveillance data and advanced digital tools, we support decision-making that reduces risks, improves animal resilience and strengthens One Health strategies.
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Why partner with WUR
We offer:
- Integrated use of sensors, micro-sampling and AI for real-time monitoring
- Strong adherence to the 3Rs for ethical and efficient research
- Validated models that enable earlier disease detection and reduce animal use
- Development of rich datasets and digital models for in silico experimentation
- Controlled environments for high-quality, reproducible data
Get in touch
For more information on our high-tech animal models contact our expert.
dr. A (Astrid) de Greeff
Lead High-Tech Animal Models
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