[May 7, 2008]
The Database on Alternative Methods (DB-ALM) of the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP), to which the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) belongs, has compiled a directory of individuals and institutions that are active in the field of alternative methods, now available to the public.
Access is temporarily given via the In Vitro Method search option on the top menu bar. If the usefulness of this data sector is confirmed by users, the directory might be established as a stand-alone application with direct access from the DB-ALM homepage, together with interactive submission facilities.
The current data includes listings that have been confirmed/updated upon ECVAM's request, with the exception of the contact persons for INVITTOX protocols. Due to the particularity of the information, and keeping in line with the European provisions on the protection of personal data, ECVAM will in the future contact all persons every two years in an automated manner to verify and/or review their data. Those contacts that do not reply after two reminders will be removed from the directory.
For new registrations to the inventory, send a short alert to dbalm-contact@jrc.it or fax to 39-0332-785845. ECVAM also encourages those who are already included to verify and update their mailing address.
The database can be accessed at http://ecvam-dbalm.jrc.ec.europa.eu.
