FICAM
The Finnish Centre for Alternative Methods (FICAM) is the centre of expertise for alternative methods to animal experimentation in Finland. FICAM develops and validates human-cell-based tissue/organ models, shares information on alternative methods, educates experts, and acts as the Finnish reference laboratory for EURL-ECVAM (European Union Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing). The basis of FICAM’s activity lays on EU directive 2010/63, according to which the use of experimental animals should be reduced and animal tests to be replaced with non-animal approaches in research and education as soon as it is scientifically possible.
FICAM actively promotes alternative approaches at national and EU levels in many ways, e.g. by participating in expert groups and administrative appointments concerning the promotion of alternative methods. Tuula Heinonen, the director of FICAM, is the Finnish representative (contact point) in PARERE (Preliminary Assessment of Regulatory Relevance) Net Work under Article 47(5) of Directive 2010/63/EU. Further FICAM is coordinating the Finland´s 3R Consortium.
FICAM, established in December 10, 2008, is located in the faculty of Medicine and Health Technology at the Tampere University. The faculty possesses a long experience in human cell and tissue research and development on related technology
