We stimulate the 3Rs of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement - in that order

To reduce the use of laboratory animals in research and education, the 3Rs Centre Utrecht (3RCU) stimulates the 3Rs of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement – in that order. This website provides centralised information about the 3Rs and access to 3Rs tools. Additionally, you can find information about initiatives of the 3RCU. Our philosophy can be summarized as ‘ideas supported by data’, and we facilitate many targeted actions. Read more about our mission.

  • Replacement & NAMs The R for Replacement encompasses initiatives that focus on the direct replacement of laboratory animals with animal-free alternatives.
  • Reduction & Refinement The R of Reduction focuses on reducing the number of animals used per experiment. The R of Refinement focuses on everything that can reduce the 'discomfort' of laboratory animals.
  • Tools The 3RCU hosts a central hub for 3Rs tools, both for educational and research applications.
  • Projects Overview In order to support our mission, we are actively involved in a variety of projects centred around advancing the principles of the 3Rs.

  • Events

    • hDMT 10-year Anniversary Conference

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      A conference to reflect on the achievements over the last 10 years in the field of Organ-on-Chip and human disease modeling and to look forward to the exciting future ahead within the hDMT consortium. Join us on the 2 and 3 April 2025, De Werelt, Lunteren.

    • 16th FELASA Congress, from 2 to 5 June 2025

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      The FELASA 2025 Congress, hosted by HSBLAS in Athens, focuses on Reducing Severity in Animal Research with streams on care, use, and training. Attendees can refine their knowledge, celebrate HSBLAS's 30th Anniversary, and explore the largest commercial exhibition in laboratory animal sciences.

    • The MPS World Summit 2025

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      The MPS World Summit, taking place on June 9-13, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium, brings together over 40 international organizations to advance and harmonize the field of microphysiological systems (MPS), which replicate organ function in vitro. This conference highlights cutting-edge research, fosters collaboration, and connects emerging scientists with pioneers in the field.

    • WC13-2025 for Advancing the 3Rs and Alternative Methods in Rio de Janeiro

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      WC13-2025, hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 31- Spetmber 4, 2025, celebrates the country's leadership in advancing alternative methods and the 3Rs. With deep roots in initiatives like the creation of Arouca’s Law, the establishment of BraCVAM, and previous Latin American congresses, the event will bring together global experts to discuss the latest advancements, foster collaboration, and highlight Brazil’s pivotal contributions to the field.
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Some of the images used on the 3RS website were generated with the assistance of AI.