Brussels, 31/08/2009 (Agence Europe) - At the seventh World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences in Rome, the European Commission and the European cosmetics industry presented their joint financial effort for research into alternative safety testing methods. On 30 July 2009, the European Commission launched a €25 million call for proposals in this field and the European cosmetics industry, represented by the European Cosmetics Association (Colipa), committed to match the funds. As a result, up to €50 million will be allocated to research projects laying the scientific foundation for future safety testing methods with a higher predictive value and that will also be faster and cheaper than animal tests. The call for proposals focuses on "repeated dose systemic toxicity”. Further information: http: //cordis.europa. eu/fp/dc/index.cfm?fuseasction=UserSite.FP7DetailsCallPage&call_id=280 (B.C./transl.rh)