NC3Rs: National Centre for the Replacement Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research
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International 3Rs Prize open for applications

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Have you published a paper in the past three years that could have, or is already having, a major 3Rs impact? 

We award the International 3Rs Prize each year to recognise a research paper that has achieved or could have potential for a major 3Rs impact across the medical, biological and veterinary sciences. Whether you set out to replace, reduce or refine the use of animals in your research or if 3Rs advances were a secondary benefit of your work, you can submit your publication for consideration by the Prize Panel.

The 3Rs Prize highlights outstanding and original work within the 3Rs and consists of a £28k prize grant and a £2k personal award. A £20k contribution is provided by GSK with all remaining funds, including the personal award made by the NC3Rs. The prize grant is intended to maximise the 3Rs impacts of the published research. This includes purchasing new equipment and consumables to aid further development, characterisation and qualification studies or supporting dissemination and training opportunities to increase awareness and uptake of the 3Rs approach.

Find out more about the 3Rs Prize

Who can apply?

We encourage applications from researchers around the world:

  • At any career stage.
  • In academia or industry.
  • Regardless of who funds your research.

Any author on the paper can submit their publication for the 3Rs Prize. Where there are multiple named individuals who substantially contributed to a manuscript (e.g. joint first authors), the Prize can be awarded collectively.

When Dr Lisa Wagar, California Irvine University, first heard about the 3Rs Prize her initial thought was "I think this is probably a much more prestigious prize for somebody more senior than I am".  Lisa won the 2022 3Rs Prize for her entirely animal-free organoid model of the adaptive immune response.

“If you think you might be a good applicant you should absolutely take the opportunity to apply.”

Why should I apply?

Applying for the 3Rs Prize gives you the chance to:

  • Be recognised for your 3Rs and scientific impacts on the international stage.
  • Receive funding to further develop and disseminate your work.
  • Join a growing list of outstanding researchers recognised by the Prize.

"The Prize is really prestigious and serves as a testament of my commitment to the 3Rs."

Dr Marta Shahbazi, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, was the joint winner for the 2019 3Rs Prize for her paper describing human embryonic stem cell 3D cultures to replace the use of mice to study embryonic development. 

What papers are eligible?

The primary research must:

  • Have been published in a peer-reviewed journal between 1 September 2021 and 1 September 2024.
  • Include a potential impact for the 3Rs or has already achieved a 3Rs impact (as a primary purpose or a secondary benefit).
  • Contain experimental or laboratory-based research.

Review articles including systematic reviews and meta-analyses are not eligible.

The Prize promotes major advancements in any of the 3Rs. Dr Joanna Makowska, University of British Columbia, was awarded the 2016 3Rs Prize for outlining a scientific basis to change guidelines on laboratory rat housing, including increasing cage height and providing burrowing materials.

"The main impact on my career has been the increased visibility of my work… as an early career researcher, it helped to validate that my work was worthwhile."

How do I apply?

To be considered for this year’s award, please complete and submit our short application form with the research paper attached and email it to 3rsprize@nc3rs.org.uk.

We have guidance available to help you showcase the 3Rs and scientific impacts of your publication.

The deadline to submit your application is Thursday 1 May 2025.

Find out more and apply for the International 3Rs Prize.

Professor Rickie Patani, University College London and the Francis Crick Institute, was the 2018 3Rs Prize winner for his paper using patient-derived stem cells to study motor neuron disease and replace some animal use to better understand the disease and to screen potential therapeutics. Rickie encourages anyone considering applying for the 3Rs Prize to:

"Go for it! If you are passionately committed to having a real impact on the 3Rs and have some evidence for this, consider applying."

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