title: Defining the role of ECVAM in the development, validation and acceptance of alternative tests and testing strategies.
abstract: The background to the establishment of the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) is reviewed, and the main events at the opening of the Centre and an ECVAM symposium on practical aspects of validation are summarized. Finally, recommendations made to ECVAM for consideration in developing the Centre's strategy are listed.
authors.affiliation: European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM), Environment Institute, Joint Research Centre, 21020 Ispra (VA, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Balls