Free 3Rs training and support nationwide from our regional team

The NC3Rs regional team has achieved incredible success since it was established seven years ago. We have worked with 13 host institutions to implement refined rodent handling methods, organised or supported more than 40 annual 3Rs symposia and in the last 12 months we have helped 1,355 scientists implement the 3Rs in their work. We are building on this success and expanding the reach of our regional programme by evolving our ways of working to support research institutions and organisations across the UK. 

We have reorganised the regional team so that we can work more effectively and have a greater impact. Our primary goal remains the same – to embed the 3Rs into the policies and practices of universities and other academic research institutions. Where our regional programme managers were previously linked to specific institutions, we are now able to offer training and support to all research institutions working with animals, free of charge, both face-to-face and virtually.

We already have many workshops ready to deliver and will continue to develop our training offering in response to research trends and priorities. These can be tailored to suit a range of audiences including researchers, animal technicians and students. We are keen to work with you to ensure your expectations are met and everyone working in science in the UK has access to the training and support they need to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals. If you are interested in working with us please contact us at regional.support@nc3rs.org.uk.

The regional team work across five key themes:

1. Providing 3Rs information and training: Hosting workshops and developing materials and online resources for various audiences such as licensee training course providers and accreditation bodies, researchers at all career stages, named persons and AWERB members. 
2. Supporting uptake of NC3Rs resources: Working with colleagues in the wider NC3Rs team to promote and facilitate the use of key NC3Rs tools and resources such as the 3Rs self-assessment tools, mouse handling e-learning module and the Experimental Design Assistant.
3. Facilitating knowledge exchange: Collating and sharing examples of 3Rs best practice nationally and identifying and addressing common priority areas across institutions.
4. Promoting a culture supportive of the 3Rs: Helping institutions develop and implement a 3Rs strategy, organising national and regional events to celebrate and share 3Rs successes and establishing 3Rs communities for local support of key groups, notably early career researchers. 
5. Working with research institutions and related organisations: Building and maintaining strong relationships and partnerships with universities nationwide and leading collaborations with learned societies and other professional bodies, as well as engagement with AWERB hubs.