As the 3R Competence Network NRW, we are actively committed to familiarizing students with modern scientific questions and methods at an early stage. A central focus is the communication of the 3R principle—Replace, Reduce, Refine—as well as a nuanced perspective on animal experimentation and animal welfare.
Our diverse formats create space for encounters and exchange: young people learn about current 3R approaches, engage in dialogue with researchers, and are encouraged to contribute their own questions and perspectives. In this way, we strengthen the connection between schools and science and contribute to the promotion of STEM education.
3R Discovery Day in Aachen – Insights into Modern Research
This year again, we hosted a 3R Discovery Day at the Institute of Laboratory Animal Science and the Central Laboratory for Laboratory Animals in Aachen, under the direction of Prof. René Tolba. The event highlights the successful and growing collaboration between the MINT-EC-certified Gymnasium Fabritianum and the 3R Competence Network NRW.
The conclusion of the 14 participating upper secondary students and accompanying teachers was as follows: “The Discovery Day at the 3R Network fully convinced both the students and us teachers. The excellent program featured an age-appropriate and engaging lecture that helped dispel many myths about animal experimentation. During the suturing course, students were able to gain hands-on experience as ‘junior surgeons’ and try artificial skin as an alternative to pig skin. The concluding tour of the laboratory animal science facilities at the University Hospital of RWTH Aachen left a great impression on all of us. The insight into how the facility is organized was very interesting, and the respectful and friendly way Professor Tolba interacted with the laboratory animals impressed us the most.”
Prof. Lisa Ernst, who led the suturing exercises, noted: “Seeing how enthusiastically the students learn—and how skillful some of them are—was impressive. Perhaps today we have laid the foundation for an interest in becoming future medical professionals.”
The successful day not only provided a realistic insight into research but also sparked a desire among many participants to explore these topics further—for example, as part of our 3R project week at our Bonn site.
Special Prize for Three Young Talents
Another highlight of the week for us was the first-time awarding of the 3R special prize to two projects as part of the state competition “Jugend forscht” in North Rhine-Westphalia. Three young talents were honored for their outstanding scientific achievements in a biological project.
Robin Teschler’s “Jugend forscht” project investigates the “Effects of chemical sunscreen on Daphnia magna,” while Karolin Finkler and Timo Bartels explored the research question: “Now even further? Protection strategies against extremophilic conditions.”
The prize offers the three young researchers the opportunity to spend one week at one of our eight medical faculties as part of an internship, where they will gain deeper insights into biomedical research in the context of the 3R principle, laboratory animal science, and animal welfare.
We sincerely congratulate the award winners on their success and look forward to welcoming them in person soon.
Outlook
The next Discovery Day with upper secondary students from Inda Gymnasium in Aachen will take place in June 2026. In July, we expect another school group: the MINT-EC-certified CJD Gymnasium from Königswinter will come to Bonn for a 3R project week. We look forward to once again inspiring young people to engage in responsible, sustainable, and forward-looking biomedical research in line with the 3R principle.