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4th Annual Meeting – Registration Now Open!

We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 4th Annual Meeting, taking place on November 26 & 27, 2026 at Kasteel Bloemendal in Vaals, Netherlands – just minutes away from Aachen.

This flagship event brings together researchers, innovators, and advocates of the 3Rs – Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement in animal research – to exchange ideas, share advances, and strengthen collaborations across disciplines. The conference theme for 2026, “Connect. Communicate. Collaborate. – Creating Future 3R Science,” emphasizes the value of building networks, sharing expertise, and working together to shape the future of 3R science.

All, who are interested, are warmly invited to take part in our interactive Satellite Workshop on November 25, 2026, exploring the topic of communication regarding animal experiments and the 3Rs.

Join Us

The program will feature inspiring keynote presentations, scientific talk sessions, poster discussions, and opportunities for exchange and networking – all set in the welcoming atmosphere of Kasteel Bloemendal.

Register now and be part of the growing community shaping the future of responsible research.

4th Annual Meeting | Connect. Communicate. Collaborate – Creating Future 3R Science

Stay up to date with the latest news here on our homepage and on our LinkedIn channel @3R-Kompetenznetzwerk NRW

Curious about our previous Annual Meetings?
You can find impressions and summaries in our Archive section.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Registration: October 31st, 2026

Abstract submission: October 31st, 2026

For more information on the program, registration, abstract submission, and venues of the 4th Annual Meeting, please visit the event page here:

4th Annual Meeting

3R Competence Network NRW

In spring 2022, the eight medical faculties of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia formed the 3R Competence Network NRW. The aim of this state-wide network is to harmonize biomedical research and medical progress in NRW with the best possible animal welfare. The network is focused on the "3Rs principle": replace, reduce and refine.

With establishing 3R centers, creating a platform for inter- and transdisciplinary exchange as well as expanding the range of training and further education, the 3R competence network creates new synergies. The network promotes 3R research in NRW as a catalyst for innovation in animal welfare. Objective public relations work on animal experiments and progress in the 3R field complements the range of tasks of the 3R Competence Network.

The office, which has been active since August 2022, is located at the Medical Dean's Office of the Rheinische Friedrichs-Wilhelm-Universität Bonn and takes care of the strategic, administrative and communicative tasks of the 3R Competence Network. It is also the central point of contact for all concerns of the network members and for the interested public. Coordinators at the eight partner locations support the work of the office.

Current events

  • ART | ART Talks

    Public event

     –

    Online

  • CPD webinar series in Laboratory Animal Science, 2026 | Norecopa

    Public event

     –

    Online

  • EUROoCS | Organ-on-Chip Summer School 2026

    Public event

     –

    On-site

    3R-Center Tübingen
    Österbergstraße 3
    72074 Tübingen
All events

News

Vier afrikanische Graumulle

Internal, Research, Media

International Laboratory Animal Day 2026: African Mole-Rats in Biomedical Research

— On April 24, International Laboratory Animal Day is observed worldwide. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the role of animal models in research and to recognize their contribution to medical progress. This year, the 3R Competence Network NRW dedicates its online initiative to a remarkable group of animals: African mole-rats.

View entry
A pupil practises suturing techniques on an artificial skin pad.

Internal, Media

Insights, Exchange, Perspectives: The 3R Competence Network NRW Strengthens Dialogue with Students

— As part of our school outreach activities, we look back on a particularly eventful and successful week: On March 17, 14 students from Gymnasium Fabritianum gained exciting insights into research, animal welfare, and the 3R principle during the 3R Discovery Day at the Institute of Laboratory Animal Science and the Central Laboratory for Laboratory Animals in Aachen. Just two days later, on March 19, we awarded a special prize for the first time at the state competition “Jugend forscht” in North Rhine-Westphalia, enabling the winners to take part in a one-week internship in 3R research.

View entry
Die Schüler:innen erhielten einen Einblick in die Chirurgie an Labortieren im Rahmen eines Virtual-Reality-Trainings.

Internal, Media

From the Classroom to the Laboratory: 3R Project Week 2026 with Gymnasium Fabritianum at the Bonn Site

— What possibilities exist in biomedical basic research to conduct experiments without using animals? To what extent can alternative methods replace animal experiments? And under what conditions do laboratory animals live? In February, five students from Gymnasium Fabritianum took part in the 3R Project Week at the Bonn network site. They gained comprehensive insights into the 3R principle, animal experiments in basic research, and questions related to animal welfare.

View entry

All news