Latest news from the NC3Rs: October 2024

Are you interested in working with researchers at all levels to stimulate change and embed the 3Rs in current and future research? We are looking for a Programme Manager to join our Research Funding team. This role will:

• Support the development, characterisation and application of 3Rs models through our funding schemes.

• Maximise the outputs and impacts from our diverse portfolio of funded research.

• Embed the 3Rs in training and research activities of early career researchers.

• Build and maintain relationships with our award holders, Panel members, funders and collaborators.

📅 Applications close: Tuesday 19 November.

We are collaborating with the MRC, in partnership with Wellcome, BBSRC and EPSRC, to drive the development, validation and/or adaptation of advanced human in vitro disease models to replace the use of animals. Expressions of interest are now open.

💡 Watch the applicant webinar to learn more. 

📅 Full applications open: Tuesday 5 November.

We are running an ICURe Explore programme in partnership with BBSRC to support researchers to understand the market potential of their 3Rs technologies and maximise chances of commercial success.

To ensure a competitive application we strongly encourage potential applicants to watch the launch webinar and get in touch with deborah.milligan@nc3rs.org.uk to discuss further. 

💡 Online drop-in session, Wednesday 6 November, 12.00 – 13.00
Meet representatives from the NC3Rs, BBSRC and ICURe teams and ask them your questions about the remit, scope, eligibility or application process.

📅 Application deadline: Wednesday 20 November.

We are running a survey to learn about experiences of implementing the 3Rs in biologics quality control and batch release testing. We would like to hear from manufacturers or scientists within contract research organisations, national regulatory authorities or national control laboratories responsible for producing, approving or testing of biological therapeutics. 

The survey should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete and your responses will inform our work to support the wider integration of 3Rs approaches in biologics quality control testing.

📅 Extended survey deadline: Friday 22 November.

Make sure to submit your application to solve our Wings of Change and Rodent Shelter CRACK IT Challenges by the November deadline. You can find information and support to complete and submit your application on the Innovation platform including launch webinars, Q&As, full Challenge information and other key documents.

📅 Application deadline: Monday 4 November.

We have published a new resource for transparent communication and ethical review of planned in vivo experiments. The ARRIVE study plan provides a structured framework to communicate the design of a prospective animal study, promoting experimental design strategies that minimise bias and maximise research reliability.

Would you like to be more effective in searching for and keeping up to date with 3Rs-related information? This webinar provides an overview of where to look for information, how library services can support your searches and how to keep on top of advances in 3Rs in your field using alerts and social media. Topics are relevant to researchers, AWERB members and named persons. 

This joint webinar, hosted with the RSPCA Animals in Science department, features presentations from a number of experts on refining the use of amphibians in research and amphibian-specific welfare indicators.

Tuesday 12 November, 16.00 – 18.00 (GMT)
Our Experimental Design Assistant (EDA) tool helps researchers at any level design robust in vivo experiments. During this interactive session Dr Esther Pearl (NC3Rs Programme Manager for Experimental Design) will give a live demonstration of the EDA before answering your questions and providing personalised feedback as you design your own experiment.

Wednesday 13 November, 14.00 – 15.00 (GMT)
Featuring Dr Ellen Forty (NC3Rs Programme Manager) discussing our resources on breeding and colony management, this free webinar organised by Responsible Research in Practice will focus on best practice for management of laboratory animal colonies including strain considerations, minimising surplus animals and breeding strategies

AALAS national meeting

Monday 4 November – Thursday 7 November
Nashville, TN
Visit us at our stand in the exhibition hall to catch up on our latest 3Rs resources for the global research community, view our poster on the ARRIVE study plans and attend the workshop on positive reinforcement training and temperament testing to refine restraint procedures for monkeys.

PRIM&R

Monday 18 November – Wednesday 20 November
Seattle, WA
Find out more about the ARRIVE study plans at our poster presentation, join us to discuss experimental design and reproducibility for animal studies and explore resources for selecting and evaluating environmental enrichment.

Thursday 28 November, 10.00 – 16.00
Bristol
The annual rodent welfare meeting is suitable for anyone involved in the care, use and regulation of laboratory rodents. Hosted by the RSPCA and Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, in collaboration with the University of Bristol's 3Hs Initiative, the meeting focuses on improving rodent welfare.

📅 Registration closes: Thursday 14 November.