The Patient Discovery Project is an initiative to increase awareness and understanding of animal research among patient groups. By providing patients and their families with direct insight into the biomedical research process, which includes the need to use animals in research, we aim to foster dialogue between researchers and those most affected by the diseases being studied.
The EARA Patient Discovery Project aims to deepen the understanding of animal research in the context of biomedical research among patient groups. In A Shared Journey in Research, we explore how direct engagement between patients and researchers fosters mutual understanding of the research process, including the ethical use of animals when no other viable alternative is available. Building Mutual Understanding through Discovery Days highlights the successful events held at Radboud University, the Biomedical Primate Research Centre, both in the Netherlands, and NOVA Medical School, in Portugal, where patients gained firsthand insight into the vital role of animals in scientific research.
The Discovery Days in Portugal for Diabetes Patients section focuses on diabetes patients’ experiences in Portugal, illustrating how animals contribute to advancing our knowledge of the disease. Looking to the future, Join the Project outlines the expansion of the initiative across Europe in 2025, with new activities planned in several countries. Lastly, the Patient Advocacy Network section describes how patient representatives will play an active role in shaping discussions on biomedical research, both at the national and European levels.
The Patient Discovery initiative was launched in response to the ongoing public debate on animal research and the increasing pressure to accelerate its phase out. While campaigns such as the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) against animal testing are often cited as reflecting public opinion, one key group has been largely absent from the conversation are the patients themselves. Patient communities, who stand to benefit most directly from biomedical advancements, have had limited opportunities to share their perspectives on the role of animal research in developing new treatments. The Patient Discovery Project seeks to address this gap by providing a platform for patient voices, ensuring that their views are represented in discussions about the future of biomedical research.
“The EARA Patient Discovery Project is an innovative and crucial step in bridging the gap between medical research and patients. By providing a clear and honest understanding of why animal research remains essential to developing new treatments and scientific progress, this the project fosters informed dialogue and strengthens vital trust between researchers and those who stand to benefit most—patients and their families.”
Kirk Leech, EARA executive director
A shared journey in research
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Through direct engagement, patients gain a deeper understanding of how research and the scientific process work, including the ethical use of animals in scientific studies.
Visits to research and animal facilities and open conversations dispel myths, highlight the strict standards in animal research, and build confidence in the research process.
Informed patients are not just observers—they become important disseminators of information, able to shape public opinion, influence policy, and help to guide research priorities.
Patients’ voices ensure that biomedical research remains focused on what truly matters - improving lives, without compromising the highest scientific standards and animal welfare.
Building mutual understanding through Discovery Days
Discovery Day – Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
The Patient Discovery Project was launched in the Netherlands in 2023, at the EARA member Radboud University, where participants learned about the vital contribution of mice and rats in studying Parkinson’s disease.
Participants took part in the Toolkit to Understand Parkinson’s Disease, learning about the various research methods using mice and rats at Radboud University Medical Centre, followed by a visit to different research facilities.
Patients with Parkinson's meet researchers studying their condition at Radboud University (September 2023)
Visit to the cell culture laboratories at the Radboud University in Nijmegen during the Parkison’s Discovery Day.
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Cell culture labs: Discovering neuronal cell cultures and stem cell techniques.
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Biochemical labs: Seeing research on Parkinson’s patients’ samples.
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Animal facilities: Observing behavioural and imaging studies in rats and mice.
Visit to the animal facilities at Radboud University Medical Centre and imaging equipment used to study Parkinson’s Disease in rodents.
Discovery Day – Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Netherlands
The second Discovery Day in the Netherlands happened in 2024 at the Biomedical Primate Research Centre, EARA member, and Parkinson’s patients received information about research into brain conditions using monkeys. The tour included:
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A visit to the outdoor primate facilities, where +1,000 monkeys are housed.
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Talks with researchers about their work into brain conditions, such as Parkinson’s, involving both monkeys and non-animal methods and ethical standards.
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A lab visit, where they examined brain samples and learnt research techniques.
Visit to the outdoor primate facilities by Parkinson's patients during the Discovery Day at BPRC.
Animal research and Parkinson’s disease
The discovery of dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for Parkinson's disease, involved extensive research using mice and rats, which helped scientists understand its role in the brain. Rabbits played a key role in the development of L-DOPA, the first effective therapy for Parkinson's, which remains a cornerstone of treatment today.
Monkeys have been instrumental in the development of deep brain stimulation (DBS), a groundbreaking therapy used to manage key symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors. DBS has revolutionised the treatment of Parkinson's, improving the quality of life for thousands of patients by providing symptom relief when other treatments are no longer effective.
In addition to Parkinson's, monkeys have also provided valuable insights into improving motor coordination in various neurological conditions, such as stroke. Their use in research has advanced our understanding of how to restore motor function and has led to therapies that benefit patients with a range of movement disorders.
Discovery Days in Portugal at NOVA Medical School for diabetes patients
People living with diabetes together with representatives of the Portuguese Diabetic Association (APDP), visited the NOVA Medical School, EARA member in Lisbon, to experience at first hand the research studies on diabetes at NOVA and particularly the crucial role of animals, such as mice and rats, in understanding the disease and developing new therapies and future treatments.
Participants heard about the ongoing studies on type 2 diabetes and engaged in a discussion with researchers and physicians where they shared their concerns and experiences about the disease, contributing new perspectives to the research process with insights that researchers might not be aware of.
Participants, researchers, physicians and EARA staff at the first Discovery Day for diabetes hosted by NOVA Medical School.
Participants observed procedures in animals, including:
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Behavioural tests on mice to assess memory changes associated with diabetes.
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Blood collection to monitor blood sugar levels in rats. Researchers collected small blood samples using a tail tipping method. This involves gently trimming the tip of the tail to obtain a few drops of blood, which were then analysed with a handheld glucometer - like those used for human diabetes monitoring. While this procedure is quick and does not require anaesthesia, the animals may experience mild, momentary discomfort, similar to a small prick for a fingertip blood test in humans. The procedure is performed following ethical guidelines to minimise stress, and in most cases, the discomfort is brief and well tolerated by the animals.
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Minor surgery on rats to better understand how the carotid body - a sensory organ that monitors the blood's pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels - is influenced in diabetes. This involves a minor surgical procedure under anaesthesia where a thin catheter is inserted into the femoral artery to measure blood pressure changes, which are used to calculate heart rate patterns. The animals are kept on a warming pad to maintain body temperature and prevent stress-induced effects on their heart rate. Using specialised software, the scientists examined fluctuations in heart rhythm to assess the balance between the sympathetic (activating) and parasympathetic (calming) nervous systems. In some cases, a specific nerve is surgically altered while the animal is under anaesthesia to study its role in heart regulation and disease progression. This research helps identify potential therapeutic targets for conditions such as high blood pressure and metabolic disorders.
Gallery with images from the Discovery Days in Portugal, engaging people living with diabetes in research using mice and rats.
1. A participant interacts with a mouse. 2. Blood collection by tail puncture for glucose measurement in mice. 3. Behavioural tests to assess mice memory and physical abilities. 4. Silvia Conde, from NOVA Medical School, explains her research using rats. 5. Mouse housing and environmental enrichment. 6. A rat under anaesthesia undergoing a surgical procedure (see above).
Animal research and diabetes research
Rodents, primarily mice and rats, are essential for studying diabetes because they allow researchers to investigate key aspects of the disease, such as blood sugar regulation, insulin resistance, and obesity, particularly in type 2 diabetes. These small animals are commonly used to test new treatments and understand how diabetes develops at a molecular level.
Dogs, particularly those with type 1 diabetes, naturally develop the condition, making them valuable models for research. Studies in dogs help advance both human and veterinary medicine, as the disease progression and treatment approaches can be applied to both species.
Larger animals, such as cats, monkeys, and pigs, develop type 2 diabetes that closely mirrors the human form of the disease. Because of their similar physiology and metabolic processes, these animals provide important insights into the long-term effects of diabetes and offer an effective model for testing therapies that may benefit humans and animals alike.
Join the project
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Patient Discovery Days are expanding across Europe
Looking ahead, EARA is expanding the Patient Discovery Project across Europe in 2025, building on the success of its initiatives in the Netherlands and Portugal.
With new activities planned in Belgium, Germany, Spain and Switzerland, more patients and advocates will have the chance to connect with researchers and see first-hand how the use of animals in biomedical research contributes to advance medical treatments. This is also a huge step for your institution to highlight its openness about the animal research conducted in their facilities, contributing to the cultural shift toward better and more transparent science communication.
We are looking for new partners (research institutions & patient groups) to join the project. Please contact Inês Serrenho at iserrenho@eara.eu for more information.
Patient advocacy network
To ensure a lasting impact, EARA is launching a patient advocacy network, providing a platform where patient representatives can connect, learn, and actively contribute to discussions on biomedical research. This initiative will operate at both the European level and locally.
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In each country, the network will offer opportunities for patients to share their personal experiences with researchers, policymakers, and the public, helping to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and real-world patient needs. Through local and regional events, training sessions, and online discussions, patient advocates will gain insights into the research process, the use of animal models, and the development of new treatments. At the same time, scientists will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges patients face and the hope that research brings, creating a stronger, more patient-centred research environment.
At the European level, patient representatives will have the opportunity to participate in EARA-led initiatives, allowing them to voice their informed opinions in policy discussions. By engaging with EU institutions and other key stakeholders, these patients will help shape the dialogue on biomedical research, ensuring that patient perspectives are reflected in decision-making processes.
By fostering these exchanges at both national and European levels, the project aims to strengthen public trust in all methodologies used for biomedical research, encourage openness and transparency, and ensure that patient perspectives shape the future of healthcare innovation.