University of Lausanne, EPFL, University of Geneva, CHUV and HUG promote high quality scientific research, in accordance to swiss and european legal requirements thus respecting ethical guidelines and fully complying to animal welfare and needs.
Scientific research aim to both understand and decipher fundamental biological processes to find solutions to public health issues such as cancer, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, and genetic diseases. The fields of research are diverse, including human and animal physiology, pathology, neurology, embryology, immunology, and genetics. Additionally, various methodologies are employed: some are based on the use of animal models (in vivo), some on the use of cells or organs culture (in vitro), and others on computational modelling (in silico). Many different projects are based on the combination of these three approaches.
In life sciences, whether in fundamental research or pre-clinical research, the choice of a model organism is a complex decision. Scientists work with different organisms including bacteria, yeasts, invertebrates such as flies and worms, and vertebrates such as fishes, birds and mammals. Rodents and rabbits are the most popular models. Cats and dogs are not used as research models in our institutions.
The choice of model organism depends on both the scientific hypothesis and the type of answers the scientist seeks to advance knowledge in a particular field and improve the daily life of both human and animals.
