The STEP4NAMs Podcast

NAMs Need Skills and Guidance: Insights from a Live BioFIT Discussion

A live panel discussion from BioFIT on barriers, opportunities and the path forward for New Approach Methodologies In this episode of the STEP4NAMs podcast, we take you to BioFIT in Strasbourg, one of Europe’s key life science innovation events, where we hosted a live panel discussion with experts from industry, academia, and innovation networks. Building on the STEP4NAMs analysis and stakeholder interviews across North-West Europe, the discussion explores why the adoption of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) is still slower than expected—despite rapid scientific progress. Panelists share real-world perspectives on key barriers such as access to training, practical implementation challenges, and regulatory uncertainty, while also highlighting concrete opportunities to move from innovation to application. In the second part of the episode, we introduce the STEP4NAMs Training and Support Programme, designed to strengthen skills, build practical experience, and support SMEs and other stakeholders in applying NAMs across the development value chain. If you’re working with NAMs—or want to—this episode offers valuable insights into where the field stands today and what’s coming next. Learn more and access the related report on our website: step4nams.nweurope.eu

Meet the Pilots

#2: Pilot studies driving New Approach Methodologies from research to real-world application This episode of the STEP4NAM podcast shows how our four pilot studies are putting new approach methodologies such as digital twins, organ-on-chip models, bench-top simulations and organoids into practice in order to replace animal testing with technologies relevant to humans. Between October 27 and November 16, 2025, interested parties can participate in an open call for participation in these studies and gain insights into their validation and application (https://step4nams.nweurope.eu/open-call) [https://step4nams.nweurope.eu/open-call]). Time stamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:50 Introduction of the pilots 00:03:15 Pilot IA: Lung-on-Chip 00:06:30 Pilot IB: Digital Twin 00:13:31 Pilot II: Organ-on-Chip 00:17:38 Pilot III: Bioprinting/Bench-top Simulations 00:22:52 Pilot IV: Organoids - Parkinson's Disease 00:27:16 Open Call - Pilot search profile Website: https://step4nams.nweurope.eu/ [https://step4nams.nweurope.eu/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106484939 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/106484939]

Welcome to STEP4NAMs

Project Website: https://step4nams.nweurope.eu/ [https://step4nams.nweurope.eu/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/step4nams/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/step4nams/] In this opening episode, we introduce the STEP4NAMs project and its vision: accelerating the adoption of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) across North-West Europe. We will give you some background information about the story behind the project and some insights in future activities.