Switzerland: Revised Ethical Guidelines for Animal Experimentation Published

The Commission for Animal Experimentation Ethics (KTVE) – jointly supported by the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences (SAMW) and the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) – released a revised version of the Ethical Guidelines for Animal Experimentation in June 2025. The previous revision dated back nearly 20 years. The update was prompted by new scientific developments, evolving research methodologies, and changes in the legal framework. Swiss animal welfare legislation permits the use of animals for certain scientific purposes but simultaneously mandates respect for their dignity and the protection of their wellbeing. Balancing the pursuit of scientific knowledge with ethical responsibility presents a significant challenge for researchers. The revised guidelines aim to clarify existing areas of discretion and encourage researchers to reflect more consciously on their use of animals in research. The document is available free of charge in German, French, and English.