IC-3Rs News
Join the NAM expert pool database from COST Action IMPROVE
by IC-3Rs
The EU COST Action IMPROVE consortium aims to promote the development, validation, and uptake of 3Rs (Replace, Reduce and Refine) methods in Europe. IMPROVE represents a network of stakeholders, amongst them are many national 3Rs Centres which have an important intermediary role.
One of the tasks of the consortium is to establish a database that contains experts on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). NAMs include any technology or model – in vitro, in silico, in chemico, alternative in vivo models and other technologies such as omics – that does not rely on the use of animals. With the rapid increase in technological possibilities and the ensuing vast expanse in NAMs, researchers, competent authorities, 3Rs Centres, project evaluators, advisory committees and funding bodies find it increasingly hard to evaluate whether alternative methods for proposed animal experiments do exist or are indeed lacking.
As a recognized expert in NAMs, the COST Action IMPROVE invites you to register yourself in their database. The database will be governed by the management team of EU COST IMPROVE and is non-public. Participating 3Rs Centres can have access to the database upon request. Experts who agree to be included in the database may be further contacted for collaboration/consultation/project evaluations (e.g. in the context of evaluating whether proposed animal testing is necessary and whether (no) alternatives (NAMs) exist). Inclusion in the database is entirely voluntary.
IC-3Rs Symposium 2025: extended deadline
by IC-3Rs
Missed the first deadline to submit your abstract for the IC-3Rs Symposium? You have got another chance!
We have extended the abstract submission deadline until 18th of August. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your research to peers in the 3Rs community.
• Present your work to a dedicated audience
• Benefit from a reduced registration fee (€20)
• Young researchers can compete for a €250 prize!
RE-Place Award at MPS
by IC-3Rs
During the MPS 2025 organised from 9 to 13 June 2025 in Brussels, the RE-Place team granted the RE-Place Best Poster Presentation award. The prize was open to PhD students and early career investigators presenting their research in the field of 3R replacement methodologies. Emma Streutker, a PhD student at the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, was awarded the prize for her poster titled “A fibrosis-on-chip model to study Systemic Sclerosis.” Her work was recognized for its scientific excellence, impactful results, and the clarity of her presentation.
RE-Place user survey
by IC-3Rs
A short RE-Place user survey has recently been launched to gain insights into how the website and database are being used. The feedback collected will help to improve the platform, assess its impact, and ensure it better meets the needs of the research community in Belgium.
Researchers, visitors, and contributors alike are encouraged to participate—whether they have used the platform, visited the site, or added a method to the database. Completing the survey takes only a few minutes.
Workshop Niet-Technische Samenvatting (NTS)
by IC-3Rs
Wil je leren hoe je een niet-technische samenvatting (NTS) schrijft die transparantie in proefdieronderzoek maximaliseert? De European Animal Research Association (EARA), met steun van IC-3Rs, organiseert een interactieve workshop voor iedereen die NTS’en opstelt of beoordeelt. Er zijn nog enkele plekken vrij dus bij interesse, schrijf je snel in!
Waarom deelnemen?
✔ Begrijp de rol en wettelijke vereisten van NTS
✔ Leer complexe wetenschap helder en toegankelijk te verwoorden
✔ Ontvang praktische tips en oefen met sjablonen en online tools
📅 22/05/2025 📍 VUB, Campus Jette ⏳ 13u - 17u 🗣️ De workshop wordt gegeven in het Nederlands
⚠️ Beperkt aantal plaatsen! Registratie betekent niet automatisch deelname. Na inschrijving ontvangen geselecteerde deelnemers een bevestiging en officiële uitnodiging.
New database non-animal derived antibodies
by IC-3Rs
A major step forward in promoting the use of non-animal derived antibodies has been taken with the launch of the Recombinant Antibodies and Mimetics Database, developed by the Centre for Human Specific Research.
This user-friendly, first-of-its-kind resource categorises recombinant antibodies and antibody mimetics based on their origin, discovery, and production methods, using a clear colour-coding system to indicate the involvement of animals or animal-derived biomaterials in the manufacturing process.
Currently featuring thousands of entries and expanding regularly, the database serves as a valuable tool for researchers, Animal Welfare Bodies, National Committees, and others seeking replacement opportunities in line with the 3Rs.
Call EPAA Refinement Prize 2025
by IC-3Rs
The call for submissions for the EPAA Refinement Prize 2025 has officially been launched. This €6000 prize is intended for a laboratory technician, animal caretaker, or technologist who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in innovative approaches to refine animal testing or promote awareness of refinement practices.
Interested to submit? Applications should be sent to GROW-EPAA@ec.europa.eu by Monday 1 September 2025 at 12:00 (noon) CET.
Online survey single housing of male mice
by IC-3Rs
The Swedish 3R Center and the German 3R Competence Network in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) together with the RWTH Aachen University published an online survey focusing on the single housing of male mice and their living conditions. This survey is aimed at professionals involved in biomedical animal research, including scientists, veterinarians, animal welfare officers, and animal caretakers.
The goal is to better understand the prevalence of single housing, the reasons behind it, and to gather diverse professional perspectives. Participation is anonymous, and all responses will be used solely for research purposes.
Responses can be submitted until the 18th of May.
RE-Place Best Poster Award
by IC-3Rs
Are you a PhD student or early career researcher presenting at MPS2025? If your work focuses on 3R Replacement methodology, you could win the RE-Place Best Poster Award!
🔹 Eligibility: First author of a poster at MPS2025, ≤ 40 years old.
🔹 Selection Criteria: Scientific merit, novelty, and presentation clarity.
🔹 Deadline: Submit your CV, supervisor’s supporting letter, abstract, proof of registration, and confirmation of attendance at the closing ceremony by April 1, 2025.
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity!
