The Togeth3R Consortium
Europe is home to a vibrant 3Rs community with a number of organisations who fund or promote science and technology developments that lead to opportunities to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research. The Togeth3R Consortium is a group of eight 3Rs centres from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
Upcoming webinar series: Non-animal methods
Our upcoming webinar series focuses on non-animal approaches in the top four highest areas of animal use for basic research in the UK and Europe. Join us to learn more about the latest model developments and options to replace animal use.
This series is drawing a lot of interest and events are likely be oversubscribed – register now to secure your place:
- Non-animal methods in infection and immunity: Wednesday 26 February (registrations closed – event at capacity).
- Non-animal methods in oncology: Wednesday 5 March.
- Non-animal methods in neuroscience: Wednesday 12 March.
- Non-animal methods in cardiovascular science: Wednesday 19 March.
Webinar recordings
Members of the group have been collaborating since 2020 to host webinar series showcasing 3Rs research and innovation across Europe.
2023: Culture of care
Aimed at animal care staff at all levels, though of interest to anyone working day-to-day with research animals.
2021: Replacing basement membrane extracts
Exploring the challenges and opportunities for replacing animal-derived basement membrane extracts (BMEs), extracellular matrix products that are used in many in vitro models, from research through to application.
2020: Celebrating the 3Rs in Europe
The inaugural webinar series, covering 3Rs topics from mathematical modelling, digital twins and organoids to animal behaviour, pain management and anaesthesia.
Consortium members
Charité 3R is transforming the landscape of animal research at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin by fostering interdisciplinary and translational innovation while advancing animal welfare. Built on three dynamic pillars, Charité 3R creates a profound impact. Pillar I creates awareness through vibrant communication and outreach. Pillar II empowers scientists with specialised 3Rs training, embedding ethical and cutting-edge practices and Pillar III drives progress by funding 3Rs projects that reimagine research through creative and ethical approaches. The center is financed by the Charité.
The Danish 3R-Center works to promote the 3Rs in Denmark. It is a collaboration between the government, two pharmaceutical companies and two animal welfare organisations and consists of a board (seven members) and a secretariat (four employees). To promote the 3Rs, the centre collects and disseminates 3Rs information, initiates and supports research within the 3Rs, and collaborates internationally, including hosting an annual conference on the 3Rs.
FC3R is the French reference center for all 3Rs-related matters. It aims to support responsible use of animals for scientific research and to promote alternative and innovative methods. FC3R was founded in 2021 by a group of major public research operators at the request of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
IC-3Rs is a scientific platform at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium, launched in 2017. IC-3Rs collaborates with scientists, public research institutes, industry, funding organisations, regulatory authorities and animal welfare bodies, including the Chair Mireille Aerens, the Brussels Region and Flanders Animal Welfare to increase the awareness about the 3R-principles, offer training and practical support in their application and develop new in vitro methodologies as alternatives to animal testing.
The Swedish 3Rs Center is an assembling arena for knowledge and progress when it comes to replace, reduce and refine animal experiments in Sweden. Their aim is to improve animal welfare and reduce the number of animals used in experiments. Their committee is the Swedish National Committee for the Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes. The centre is funded by the Swedish Government and was established in 2017.
The Swiss 3RCC is a non-profit association founded in March 2018 to promote the 3Rs through research, education and communication. It is a joint initiative of Switzerland's 11 top universities, the pharmaceutical industry, the Swiss government and the largest animal welfare association.
The NC3Rs is a scientific organisation dedicated to replacing, refining and reducing the use of animals in research and testing (the 3Rs). Primarily funded by the UK Government, the NC3Rs is also supported by the charitable and private sectors. It works with scientists in universities and industry in the UK and internationally, funding and disseminating 3Rs information and advances to the global community. The centre was established in 2004.
The mission of 3RCU is to reduce the use of laboratory animals in research and education. To do so, they follow the three Rs of replacement, reduction and refinement, with a primary focus on Replacement. In addition to providing centralised information about the 3Rs and 3Rs tools, they work closely with researchers to stimulate the development, implementation and adoption of the 3Rs. Their philosophy can be summarised as 'supporting ideas through data', and they facilitate targeted action as much as possible. The 3RCU is an organisational part of the Utrecht Animal Welfare Body and works closely together with TPI Utrecht, which guarantees a good embedding in both research and education.