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On 8 June 2026, the NAWiStem3D project officially kicked off with its launch meeting at the Bonn City Hub. In addition to the project members, the meeting also brought together researchers from related disciplines as well as other interested participants, providing an inspiring setting for discussion on the project’s topics.

The highlight of the meeting was the guest lecture by Rachel Ankeny, Chair and Professor of Philosophy at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, entitled ‘Thinking through NAMs Transitions Using Repertoires’. The concept of ‘repertoires’, developed by Rachel Ankeny and Sabina Leonelli, explores scientific change through a detailed examination of scientific practice, taking into account not only concepts, theories, materials and technologies, but also standards, institutions, infrastructures, forms of communication, societal goals and ethical dimensions, as well as the interplay between these various components. 

In her examination of classical model organisms and so-called New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) – which include organoid technology and the neural organoids that form the focus of NAWiStem3D – Ankeny explored in particular the theoretical foundations and societal objectives underlying the transition from animal-based research to NAMs. She discussed the context-dependence, underlying assumptions and research gaps of various model systems, as well as the associated norms, standards and practices, whilst highlighting obstacles and possibilities of supporting the transition to stem cell-based model systems.

The BMFTR-funded NAWiStem3D project (2026-2029) kicked off with this kick-off meeting. Stay informed about further research activities by subscribing to the newsletter or following the project on LinkedIn.