Latest news from the NC3Rs: July 2026

We have launched the DRIVER recommendations, a new framework designed to improve the quality, reliability and reproducibility of research using in vitro models, developed in partnership with experts from around the world. Focusing on the full experimental process from the design of the study through to data analysis and reporting, the DRIVER recommendations address common flaws in in vitro experiments that affect the reliability and reproducibility of the findings obtained from them. To support researchers to use the DRIVER recommendations we have developed a complementary online resource that includes practical tips, interactive content and worked examples to illustrate key concepts that underpin best practice.

The Thyroid Tox CRACK IT Challenge funded by the NC3Rs has delivered two in silico models to identify chemicals that may disrupt thyroid hormone signalling and replace some animal safety studies. With support from Shell and Syngenta as part of the Challenge, KREATiS have developed a quantitative structure-activity relationship model (iSafeRat iVEMPS-THR) and a molecular docking tool (iSafeRat SESAME 3D). Both models are now available as a service through KREATiS.

Penny Reynolds (biostatistician and co-author of ARRIVE 2.0) and Esther Pearl (NC3Rs Experimental Design Programme Manager) were invited to share their thoughts on milestones and future directions for transparent reporting of animal research in the 60^th anniversary edition of the Laboratory Animals Journal. Their article explores the intrinsic link between the 3Rs, scientific quality and animal welfare, and highlights resources to help researchers improve both the design and reporting of experiments including tools from the NC3Rs.

If you are interested in advancing the 3Rs in toxicology and regulatory sciences, be sure to subscribe to our dedicated newsletter from the NC3Rs Toxicology Team for quarterly updates on upcoming events, recent publications and news from across the sector.

The latest issue published this month includes publications covering bioinformatics approaches in chemical safety assessment, 3Rs advances in safety pharmacology and using new approach methodologies to assess endocrine disruption which informed recommendations in the European Commission roadmap towards phasing out animal testing for chemicals.

The Animals in Science Committee (ASC) are calling for input on strengthening the functioning of Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Bodies (AWERBs). The ASC has been commissioned to provide advice to the Home Office Minister, building on the findings of the NC3Rs-commissioned report into regulatory review processes, in order to inform the expected standards of practice for AWERBs, Home Office guidance and effective audit practices. Responses are welcomed from anyone with an interest in this field.

Monday 16 November – Wednesday 18 November

The 63^rd Annual Meeting of the Laboratory Animal Science Association (LASA) will focus on the theme Innovating with integrity: Disease modelling and the care of research animals. LASA strongly encourage the participation of early career animal technologists and researchers, including post-graduate students. The annual conference is a great opportunity to present preliminary, pilot and/or ongoing work and network with colleagues across laboratory animal sciences.

The Animal Welfare Research Network (AWRN) are offering members up to £3k to organise workshops that bring researchers, practitioners, policymakers, industry professionals and other stakeholders together to explore important topics in animal welfare science. Workshops could include providing training in a specialist area, launching a working group or facilitating discussion around an emerging research topic. Collaborative applications and those involving early career researchers are particularly encouraged.