NC3Rs: National Centre for the Replacement Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research
Network

NAMs Network

The NC3Rs funds research to support the development, validation and application of new approach methodologies (NAMs), which are replacement technologies for use in assessing chemical or drug toxicity. We also lead projects to increase the confidence in the use of NAMs for regulatory decision making, working to ultimately reduce the current reliance on animal toxicity tests and improve the science and predictivity of safety testing. 

The NAMs Network aims to bring together researchers, technology developers and industry and regulatory end-users together to accelerate the use of NAMs by promoting dialogue and information exchange, supporting the formation of new collaborations and sharing technologies to maximise their scientific and 3Rs impact. 

We encourage stakeholders from across the NAMs sector to join the Network. Researchers from all career stages are welcome and you do not need have received NC3Rs funding to join. Members support the values of the NAMs Network, which are to: 

  • Support the 3Rs in scientific research.
  • Be open to collaboration and communication between sectors.
  • Share new opportunities and information with the community. 

If you have any questions about the NAMs Network or would like to discuss technologies developed with NC3Rs funding, please contact Dr Deb Milligan (deborah.milligan@nc3rs.org.uk).

Member benefits

Through the NAMs Network we host specific activities to support multi-disciplinary conversations about new approaches to encourage collaborations and accelerate NAMs uptake. Joining the Network will enable you to: 

  • Engage with a community of NAMs experts.

  • Share your feedback with the NC3Rs about opportunities for development and support that will drive the uptake of NAMs. 

  • Attend events to learn about new developments in the field.
  • Receive informal updates from our members via the NAMs 3Rs digest, curated by the NC3Rs. 
NAMs hub

Access our NAMs resources, events and products on our dedicated hub.

Organ on a chip system. The chip is being held against a blue background with orange tweezers causing the channels on the chip to have an orange hue.
Contact us

The NAMs Network is managed by Dr Deb Milligan, contact her with any queries.

Portrait of Dr Deborah Milligan
NAMs Network

Join the Network to receive regular updates

Network members receive our regular NAMs 3Rs digest with curated updates, including publications, events, resources and collaboration and funding opportunities.

Sign up now
Graphic showing some of the range of applications of NAMs

Please read our network membership policy for more information about the NAMs Network remit. If you are unable to attend the launch event, you can join the network below to receive regular updates through our NAMs 3Rs digest. 

To stay up to date with wider 3Rs news, funding opportunities and events, sign up to the NC3Rs monthly newsletter. The latest news from our toxicology and regulatory sciences programme is also shared via Tox News which is released quarterly.

Network activities 

Some of our recent Network activities are below. 

Launch event

The NAMs Network launch event was held in London, UK on 30 April 2024. The presentations and discussions highlighted NAMs opportunities and showcased new technologies, with the agenda including networking sessions, flash talks and poster presentations. 

NAMs Network In Conversation webinar series 

Our ‘In Conversation’ webinar series brings together industry leaders and community experts to explore the latest developments in NAMs and discuss challenges and opportunities for their wider adoption. Each webinar in the series will feature different guests focusing on NAMs topics within their field. 

  • The inaugural webinar in January 2025 focused on applying NAMs under UK chemicals regulations. Leading the conversation will be Dr Camilla Alexander-White (MKTox Consultancy) and Dr Natalie Burden (Head of NAMs Strategy, NC3Rs).

Symposium: Connecting NAMs developers with end-users in human safety assessment 

The NAMs Network spring symposium was held in London, UK on 1 May 2025. The agenda included NAMs experts, panel discussions, a brainstorming workshop and networking opportunities. Discussions throughout the day highlighted the insights and perspectives of stakeholders from different sectors on their experiences of deploying NAMs technologies and future opportunities to reduce the reliance on animal toxicity testing.