Mission of the 3RS Centre

The mission of the 3Rs Centre Utrecht (3RCU) is to reduce the use of laboratory animals in research and education. To do so, we follow the three Rs of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (in Dutch: 3Vs of Vervanging, Vermindering en Verfijning), with a primary focus on Replacement.

In addition to providing centralized information about the 3Rs and 3Rs tools, we work closely with researchers to stimulate the development, implementation and adoption of the 3Rs. Our philosophy can be summarized as 'supporting ideas through data', and we facilitate targeted action as much as possible.

The 3RCU is an organizational part of the Utrecht Animal Welfare Body and works closely with TPI Utrecht (Transition to Animal-free Innovations), which guarantees a good embedding in both research and education.