Non-technical summaries of projects

A non-technical summary (NTS) is a brief, easy-to-understand description of a project. It is written in simple language, aimed at helping the public understand the reasons and methods behind the work, including how the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) will be implemented. 

The NTS follows a specific format required by the EU Commission. The person seeking project approval writes the NTS. Since 01 January 2021, NTS for authorised projects must be uploaded to a publicly accessible EU Commission database called the ALURES NTS EU database within six months of approval.

Queries in relation to non-technical summaries for projects authorised prior to 01 January 2021 should be sent to sap@hpra.ie. 

Guidance and application forms

Details about the content of NTS can be found in Annex I of Commission Implementing Decision 2020/569/EU. The relevant guidance and template forms for submitting a NTS are available in the guidance documents section and submission documents section of the HPRA website.