At Open University Day, kids discover how drugs can be tested without animals

The FHNW School of Life Sciences Kinder Hochschultag (Open University Day for Kids) took place this year on June 4, 2025.

Young researchers explored fundamental medical questions:

💊 What happens in the body when we take a drug?

🔬 How can this be investigated in the laboratory – for example, using human cells?

🧠 And how can we tell whether a drug is effective or harmful?

Peering curiously through the microscope, the children discovered that cells can reveal a great deal about efficacy and tolerability – without any animal testing.

It was an exciting research journey with many “aha” moments, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Laura Suter-Dick, lecturer and group leader for cell biology and in vitro toxicology.

At the Institute of Chemistry and Bioanalytics, our staff and students conduct research into innovative, animal-free testing methods, using cell cultures, modern analytical techniques, and a strong commitment to responsible drug development.

The open university day has once again shown how science can inspire enthusiasm at an early age, and how important it is to raise awareness of future-oriented research among young people.

We would like to thank all the young researchers who joined us on our journey of discovery, as well as Swiss 3RCC for providing the materials! We also thank our interns Meike Sohm and Julia Eckert for helping with the kids!