NATworks database: AI-powered paradigm shift for animal-free innovation
#Education, science and research
About the association
Doctors Against Animal Experiments e.V. has been campaigning for the abolition of animal experiments since 1979. We promote modern, human-relevant research methods through education, political work, and support for animal-free research. Our goal is to end animal suffering and improve medical research with scientifically superior methods that directly benefit humans. In this way, we are shaping ethical and scientific progress.
Our NATworks platform brings together hundreds of companies committed to animal-free innovation. They are already delivering the human-relevant technologies we need to eliminate animal testing worldwide.
Why we fund
With this project, the Stiftung Zukunft jetzt! is supporting a world without animal testing. Despite rapid progress in animal-free testing methods, there was no central overview of commercial providers. NATworks offers an innovative solution and creates the necessary transparency and networking with relevant stakeholders. NATworks is therefore in line with the foundation's purpose of supporting sustainable, innovative research.
PROJECT DETAILS
What we fund
The Stiftung Zukunft jetzt! supports the development of the NATworks database by Ärzte gegen Tierversuche e.V. NATworks is the world's first AI-supported online platform for companies offering products and services related to animal-free research. It contains over 400 global companies. The central criterion: no animal testing!
Features and impact:
AI-supported data collection: Automated collection and updating of entries, manually checked by scientific experts.
Comprehensive search functions and visualization: Intelligent filters and interactive diagrams for dynamic evaluations by country or field of research, for example.
International recognition: NATworks was presented to the EU Commission and actively supports it in abolishing animal testing for chemical safety.
Accelerated change: NATworks connects science, politics, business, and authorities to promote the global transition to animal-free methods.
Career platform: NATworks connects companies with students and young scientists for jobs, theses, or internships without animal testing.
The support of the Stiftung Zukunft jetzt! made this innovative project possible. Your support has directly contributed to accelerating the abolition of animal testing worldwide.
Picture: Dipl.-Biol. Julia Radzwill, NATworks Project Coordinator (left), and Dr. Tamara Zietek, Managing Director of Science (right), are proud of the successful publication of NATworks and grateful for the support.
Picture: The website of the freely accessible NATworks platform with dynamic filter options and diagrams.
Picture: Doctors Against Animal Testing presented the NATworks prototype at the World Congress for Alternatives to Animal Testing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August 2025.
NATworks fills an important gap by making it much easier to find companies and technologies that are truly advancing human-relevant, animal-free research. It is a fantastic resource for researchers, innovators, and anyone committed to advancing modern, humane research.
