Our goal: medical progress in harmony with the best possible animal welfare

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.