Overview

We stimulate the development, acceptance and implementation of methods that can Replace, Reduce and Refine (the 3Rs) animal experiments. In that order. We teach about best practices, culture of care and the 3Rs in various courses and summer schools, collaborate closely with the TPI (Transition Programme towards animal-free Innovation) of the Dutch government, and organise thematic seminars ourselves. We take on a 3Rs advisory role in contexts ranging from the international level (in the EU-IMPROVE consortium and in the European 3Rs Centres) to the local level (by advising the Animal Welfare Body Utrecht and individual researchers). We communicate on recent 3Rs developments via our website, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Our website is a central hub for the 3Rs and also hosts useful tools and databases on humane endpoints and alternatives to the use of fetal calf serum in cell cultures. We further stimulate the dissemination of 3Rs methodologies, for instance by bringing together offer and demand of internships. Students who are willing to dedicate their talent, time and energy to help advance the 3Rs in biomedical research are brought in contact with researchers looking for these competencies. All our activities are aimed at facilitating researchers to include 3Rs methods in their research, with the ultimate aim of bringing down the numbers of animals used for research and education without compromising the quality of it.