Connect. Communicate. Collaborate. – Creating Future 3R Science
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the 4th Annual Meeting of the 3R-Competence Network of North Rhine-Westphalia from November 26th to 27th, 2026 at Kasteel Bloemendal in Vaals, Netherlands (nearby Aachen, Germany).
This year, our motto “Connect. Communicate. Collaborate. — Creating Future 3R Science” captures how to advance the 3Rs: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement by bringing together the people and ideas that shape responsible research. By connecting researchers, method developers, and stakeholders from academia, industry, animal welfare or authorities, we create the networks and communities needed for real progress. With communicate, we share evidence, best practices, and emerging tools that support the practical implementation of the 3Rs in daily research. And through collaborate, we jointly develop and translate strategies that strengthen replacement alternatives, reduce the number of animals used, and refine procedures to improve animal welfare.
Together, we aim to create a future for 3R science being innovative, responsible, and anchored in the ongoing development of research standards.
The main conference program will feature a dynamic mix of an inspiring keynote presentation, thematic talk sessions, and interactive poster discussions. We will be delving into the topics such as organoids in disease remodeling, novel approaches in reduction and outstanding techniques in refinement for laboratory animals for improved welfare.
Furthermore, there will be a satellite workshop on the November 25th, 2026 at the IZDM-Forum on the Melaten Campus of the RWTH University, for all participants interested in exploring the topic of communication regarding animal experiments and the 3Rs.
Your participation helps strengthening a vibrant community that turns 3R science into measurable impact. We are looking forward to an inspiring Annual Meeting of the 3R-Competence Network North Rhine-Westphalia and welcoming you to Vaals!
Best regards,
Your 3R Competence Network North Rhine-Westphalia
With the generous support of...
Gold Sponsor
Important Notes
Attendance & Certification
The participation in the 4th 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 4th 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 where necessary.
We have compiled essential information regarding the 4th Annual Meeting. A satellite workshop will precede the meeting on November 25, 2026. Please navigate the event pages to review all the details: