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Promotion of the Use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to Replace Animal Testing 

  • Focus on the (Bio)Pharma and MedTech sectors
  • Strengthening research and innovation capacities through the implementation and validation of modern technologies
  • Development of a joint strategy and sector-specific action plans to facilitate the adoption of NAMs in the participating regions
  • Reducing the lack of knowledge, insufficient acceptance, and fragmented infrastructure regarding the application of NAMs

Objective

  • Promoting innovation and resilience in the field of NAMs in NWE
  • Utilizing transnational cooperation to improve the implementation of NAMs
  • Bringing together stakeholders across the entire NAM value chain from different countries
  • Increasing acceptance and use of NAMs through validation and demonstration in four pilot studies (Organ-on-Chip, Organoids, Digital Twin, Bioprinting/Bench-Top Simulations)
  • Developing a validation manual as a guideline for NAM users and developers
  • Training and supporting 186 participants (SMEs, research organizations, regulatory authorities) through a tailored training program to disseminate knowledge and promote NAMs

Project Duration, Funding, and Role of BioRegio STERN

The project has a duration of 48 months (four years) and a total budget of €6,332,365.47. Of this, €3,799,419.27 (60%) is financed through an EU grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). A total of €827,645.00 is allocated to the BioRegion STERN, with €496,587.00 (60%) coming from ERDF funds, while the remaining €331,058.00 (40%) is covered by own contributions.
BioRegio STERN assumes the role of Lead Partner in this project and is primarily responsible for management, coordination, and implementation.

News

02/27/2025

Kick-off Meeting of STEP4NAMs: Shaping the Future of NAMs Together

On February 25 and 26, 2024, the official kick-off meeting of the STEP4NAMs project took place in Stuttgart. Our international consortium of ten partners gathered to set the course for promoting New A...

Contact

Dr. Margot Jehle

Project Leader
+49-173 180 892 4
Project Leader
Dr. Margot Jehle

"I studied classical chemistry, completed additional internships at the Institute of Biochemistry in Würzburg and was thus able to complete my diploma and PhD thesis in this field of chemistry. Based on my experiences that I could gather as a researcher at immatics biotechnologies GmbH in Germany and abroad, I can easily identify suitable partners from companies or institutions in an international context in order to initiate potential collaborations. Since 2011, I have been involved in various EU projects at BioRegio STERN Management GmbH and am now responsible as a project manager for the Interreg NWE project Boost4Health, launched in April 2016, to support and promote the economic development of regional and transnational SMEs. Through my numerous contacts with other European networks, I am also the initiator and contact for further diverse cooperation in neighboring European countries."

Lennart Biermann, M. Sc.

Project Management
+49-173 857 576 4
Project Management
Lennart Biermann, M. Sc.

After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Biotechnology and my international Master’s degree in Food Biotechnology, I pursued a Ph.D. in Bioprocess Engineering at the University of Hohenheim. During my doctoral research, I focused intensively on the production of animal-like proteins, such as casein, using various microorganisms. This work provided me with extensive experience in molecular biology, microbiology, and biotechnology. Through my involvement in various national and international projects, I gained valuable insights into the biotech and life sciences industry.
During my internships at Bitburger Braugruppe in Bitburg and the former LSG Sky Chefs GmbH in Munich, I demonstrated my organizational skills in a dynamic environment and further developed my passion for creative solutions and new challenges.
Since 2025, I have been working as an International Project Manager at BioRegio STERN Management GmbH, contributing to various EU projects.

Olivia Magosch, M. Sc.

Project Management
+49-173 857 577 1
Project Management
Olivia Magosch, M. Sc.

I completed my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biotechnology at the University of Hohenheim. In my thesis work at the Institute of Bioprocess Engineering, I focused on microbial biosurfactant production. My research included investigating the biosurfactant production in shake flasks using lignocellulose, a sustainable carbon source, as well as exploring molecular process control strategies in a 20L bioreactor.
After that, I worked for three years as a Process Engineer in process development for plasmid production at CureVac in Tübingen. During this time, I actively contributed to the development of microbial cell banks and the clone selection process for a production clone.
Since February 2025, I have been working as a Project Manager at BioRegio STERN Management GmbH, supporting the team in the implementation of EU-funded projects. I am particularly excited to accompany and shape the development of innovative and forward-thinking technologies, especially in an international context.

Alexander Kempf, M.Sc.

Project Management
+49-173 857 575 3
Project Management
Alexander Kempf, M.Sc.

"After studying Medical Engineering in Stuttgart and Tübingen and completing my Master’s in Biomedical Technologies at the University of Tübingen, I gained experience in translational research, experimental oncology, and microfluidic medical technology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was involved in a large-scale diagnostic project, conducting PCR testing for the entire southwest of Germany. Additionally, I worked in clinical diagnostics and in various life sciences companies.
Since 2025, I have been strengthening BioRegio STERN Management GmbH as a Project Manager. My focus is on connecting medical technology companies with clinical users, driven by my strong commitment to fostering close collaboration between science and industry. In this interdisciplinary environment, engineers, biologists, physicists, and physicians work together to develop solutions that would not emerge individually."

Lara Tank

Marketing Management
+49-159 044 252 72
Marketing Management
Lara Tank

“I completed my degree in Marketing and Media Management with a specialization in product and customer management at Heilbronn University. During my studies, I gained professional experience in the field of e-commerce, working specifically in digital marketing, content management and campaign planning. I also carried out my own practical projects in the area of trade fairs and events in connection with my bachelor's thesis. I have been responsible for marketing at BioRegio STERN since November 2022. In addition to managing the content on our digital channels, I am responsible for conceptual marketing planning and support the organization and implementation of our events.”