8th IC-3Rs Symposium 2025
Monday 15 September 2025
Scientific innovation only gains true significance when it leads to real-world impact. The 2025 edition of the IC-3Rs Symposium focuses on the transition from emerging technologies to practical, actionable solutions that are already being implemented in scientific research.
Accelerating the Shift Away from Animal Testing
This 8th edition places a strong emphasis on advanced technologies that support the replacement of animal testing. Key highlights include:
- Multi-organ-on-chip systems that replicate human organ functions using microchip technology.
- Innovative methods for assessing skin sensitization without the use of animals.
Next-Generation Strategies for the 3Rs
Equally important are strategies that challenge the traditional reliance on animal models. For example:
- Virtual control groups in pharmaceutical development offer statistically robust alternatives that, once implemented and approved by the EMA, can significantly reduce the number of animals used in regulatory studies.
- Animal-free antibodies are becoming more reliable and reproducible, thanks to advances in biotechnology.
Digital Tools and Automation for Refinement
New digital tools are also transforming how researchers work:
- Virtual reality is redefining training and surgical procedures, allowing for refinement of techniques while minimizing harm.
- Automated systems for detecting signs of pain or distress in animals are enhancing both animal welfare and scientific integrity.
A Platform for Collaboration and Progress
The Symposium provides an ideal platform for national and international experts to explore how these interdisciplinary tools are accelerating the transition to more animal-free research. Discussions will focus on their broader implications for both scientific progress and animal welfare, particularly in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Whether you're a researcher, policy-maker, or simply interested in the future of 3Rs science, this Symposium offers a unique opportunity to be part of the shift from theory to practice.
Discover the technologies redefining the 3Rs landscape. We look forward to welcoming you on September 15th!
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
FOR POSTER PRESENTATIONS
You are kindly invited to submit your abstract for a poster presentation at the 8th annual IC-3Rs Symposium 2025. Posters will be displayed the whole day, poster sessions are organised during the coffee and lunch breaks.
Abstract topics should focus on the 3Rs Principle in its broadest sense:
- Drug development and research, toxicology, risk assessment…
- Alternative methods and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) such as organoids, spheroids, organ-on-chip, in silico modelling, omics, NGRA…
- Reduction and Refinement techniques, ethical considerations, legislative aspects…
All abstracts accepted for a poster presentation will be published in the booklet of the Symposium.
Attendees who submit an abstract are entitled to a reduced registration fee (€20) for the Symposium. Please indicate it when registering for the event.
POSTER COMPETITION
Young scientists who submit an abstract will compete for the best poster presentation (250€). Anyone working in the field of 3Rs is free to submit an abstract, but only master students, PhD students and postdocs are eligible for the competition.
All attendees are invited to vote for their favourite poster. A QR code to the voting form will be available onsite and in the Symposium booklet. The best poster award will be attributed at the end of the Symposium.
HOW TO SUMIT YOUR ABSTRACT?
- Prepare your abstract (approximatively 2000 characters) using the following template
- Send your abstract by 31/07/2025 to abstracts@ic-3rs.org
- After the deadline, we will inform you if your abstract is accepted for a poster presentation
- Don’t forget to bring your poster in A0 (841 x 1189 mm) portrait format at the Symposium (attachment material will be provided for you).
If you have any questions regarding the call for abstracts, please contact us via abstracts@ic-3r.org
