Advancing the 3Rs: From Innovation to Implementation
Join us as we drive progress in responsible research!
Dear Colleagues,
We are delighted to invite you to the 3rd Annual Meeting of the 3R Competence Network NRW, held on November 27th & 28th, 2025 at Kasteel Bloemendal in Vaals, Netherlands. This year’s conference motto is “Advancing the 3Rs: From Innovation to Implementation” reflecting our shared goal of translating cutting-edge 3R research into real-world improvements in animal welfare and scientific rigor.
The network has become a powerful force for innovation, fostering collaborations that are driving advancements in crucial areas like basic biomedical research and laboratory animal science. We have witnessed remarkable progress stemming from the diverse expertise within our community, and this meeting is designed to build on that success.
Recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of 3Rs leaders, we’re offering a dedicated pre-conference workshop – “Beyond Compliance: Integrating the 3Rs into Your Research Career” – specifically designed for Early Career Researchers at November 26th at the University Hospital Aachen. This interactive workshop will provide practical guidance on incorporating the 3Rs into research design, navigating ethical challenges, and building a fulfilling career committed to responsible science.
The main conference program will feature a dynamic mix of an inspiring keynote presentation by Katie Bates (NC3Rs), thematic talk sessions, and interactive poster discussions. We will be delving into the topics such as organoids in disease remodeling, novel approaches in reduction, laboratory animal welfare including aquatic organisms, and preregistration of animal studies. We will also have a dedicated session for short talks selected from submitted abstracts, offering a platform for emerging researchers to showcase their work.
Beyond the scientific program, we will provide ample opportunities for networking and collaboration, including a Get-Together Event at the location CT2 in the first conference evening.
Let’s connect, learn from each other, and collectively build a future where ethical research and scientific excellence go hand in hand. We look forward to welcoming you in Vaals!
Best regards,
Organizing Team
With the generous support of...
Gold Sponsors
We have compiled essential information regarding the 3rd Annual Meeting. A pre-conference satellite workshop will precede the meeting on November 26, 2025, at RWTH Aachen University. Please navigate the event pages to review all the details:
Pre-Conference Satellite Workshop
Attendance & Certification
The participation in the 3rd Annual Meeting counts as an advanced training course certified under §3 TierSchVerV, fulfilling the German advanced training obligation for laboratory animal science.
Advisory on travel requirements
The 3rd Annual Meeting of 3R Competence Network NRW will take place in Vaals, Netherlands. Although the town Vaals is just by Aachen, Germany, please check if special travel rules apply to you and request in advance for necessary permissions from respective authorities. As we expect most of our participants from Germany, please also check with your employer and apply for an official trip in advance. Please also consider applying for an "A1-Bescheinigung" in a timely manner for social security reasons.