The RIVER project – originally standing for Reporting In Vitro Experiments Responsibly – was launched in order to improve reporting standards and transparency in in vitro research. The goal was to develop a clear set of recommendations that researchers could follow when reporting in vitro experiments, analogous to the ARRIVE guidelines used for animal studies. Through a diverse, international working group drawn from academia, industry, regulatory bodies, and publishing, the RIVER recommendations define the key information that should be included in publications so that readers can assess the validity and robustness of in vitro work. A preprint was published in June 2023, including six recommendations, classified into three themes: 1. experimental design; 2. experimental procedures and materials, and 3. data handling, accessibility and visualization.

Following extensive user testing in 2024, RIVER now evolved into the DRIVER Initiative (which stands for Designing and Reporting In Vitro Experiments Responsibly). Unlike RIVER, which focused mainly on reporting, DRIVER will also provide practical guidance on the design and conduct of in vitro experiments. This includes helping researchers to avoid biased research outcomes and facilitate rigorous experimental design.

Specific examples and interactive content in a living, online resource that is planned to launch in late 2025/beginning of 2026. 

Christoph Emmerich of PAASP is part of the DRIVER working group, contributing PAASP’s expertise in preclinical data quality to the development of these critical experimental design and reporting guidelines.

Please contact Christoph if you have any questions or would like to discuss the DRIVER guidelines in more detail.