“3R Prize 2024”: Fides Zenk recognised in 2025 for her research on brain organoids

The Swiss 3R Competence Centre (3RCC) has awarded its 3R Prize to Professor Fides Zenk, tenure-track assistant professor at EPFL. The award honours her pioneering work on epigenetic regulation during the early stages of brain development, conducted using human brain organoids. Her research exemplifies both Swiss academic excellence and the potential of more ethical science, in line with the 3R principles: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal use in research. 

Organoids as a window into the human brain 

Organoids are three-dimensional cellular structures grown in vitro that can reproduce key processes in the development of an organ. In her project, Fides Zenk employs human brain organoids to map epigenetic changes – the mechanisms that regulate gene expression – at single-cell resolution. This approach provides unique insights into the earliest stages of brain formation and offers a promising alternative to animal models, which often fall short in capturing the complexity of human brain development. 

According to the 3RCC, this model represents a relevant platform to study early human brain development and may contribute to a deeper understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism or cognitive impairments. 

An award dedicated to advancing research without animals 

The 3R Prize is awarded annually to researchers whose projects embody the principles of more humane science. By recognising Fides Zenk, the 3RCC highlights an approach that combines technological innovation with ethical responsibility. While organoids cannot yet replace all animal experiments, they already allow for a significant reduction in animal use in certain fields of research. 

This award also strengthens Switzerland’s position among the countries most actively committed to the implementation of the 3R principles, mobilising universities, competence centres and national funding bodies. 

Perspectives for the Swiss research ecosystem 

Fides Zenk’s work extends well beyond EPFL. The Lake Geneva region – often referred to as Switzerland’s Health Valley – brings together an exceptional concentration of expertise in neuroscience, biotechnology and medical innovation. 

Located in Geneva, Campus Biotech epitomises this dynamic ecosystem, hosting cutting-edge laboratories and start-ups that are opening new avenues in digital health, bioengineering and neuroscience.  

By recognising Fides Zenk, the 3R Prize underscores the value of approaches that could, in the near future, inspire this broader ecosystem – from the development of new in vitro models to translational research carried out in Geneva. 

The result is a vision of science that is collaborative, innovative and ethical, dedicated to advancing our understanding of the human brain and shaping the medicine of tomorrow. 

Find out more: https://actu.epfl.ch/news/fides-zenk-s-pioneering-work-from-animal-models–3/