–
The event will be held in English.
Participation is free of charge with a valid registration. Registration is open until September 18, 2025.
Welcome
How can the 3R principle (Replace, Reduce, Refine) shape the future of neuroscience research? What innovative methods are being developed to refine experimental approaches, replace animal models where possible, and reduce their use overall?
At this year’s 3R-Symposium NRW in Münster, experts from across North Rhine-Westphalia will present and discuss new insights, models, and technologies at the intersection of neuroscience and the 3R principle.
The scientific program spans a broad range of topics, including refined behavioral assessment, organoid models, molecular neuropathology, advanced imaging, and translational approaches in drug discovery. Participants will gain insight into current research efforts and practical strategies to improve neuroscience studies in line with 3R principles.
The 3R-Symposium NRW offers a unique opportunity to:
- Learn about cutting-edge approaches to neuroscience research under the 3R framework
- Exchange ideas with leading researchers from across NRW and beyond
- Expand your scientific network and foster collaborations
Date & Venue: October 2, 2025 | Multiscale Imaging Center, Münster
Time: 10:00 – 16:30
Together with the local co-organizer Yotam Menuchin-Lasowski, Department of Neuropathology, University of Münster, we warmly invite you to join us for this year’s symposium and contribute to shaping neuroscience research with the 3Rs in mind.
Successful participation will be certified with continuing education credits (in accordance with §3 (2) TierSchVersV).
Speakers
Volker Busskamp
Ophthalmology
University of Bonn
Lukas Paul Henning
Epileptology
University of Bonn
Patrick Reinhardt
Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry
LWL University Hospital
Ruhr-University Bochum
Daniel Segelcke
Anaesthesiology, Surgical Critical Care and Pain Therapy
University of Münster
Roman Stilling
Science Management
Information Initiative
"Tierversuche verstehen"
Christian Thomas
Neuropathology
University of Münster
Lydia Wachsmuth
Radiology
University of Münster
Annika Zink
General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology
Heinrich‐Heine‐University Düsseldorf
Program
> Symposium Opening (10:00 am - 10:30 am)
10:00 am | Welcome
10:15 am | Presentation of the 3R-Competence Network NRW
Michael To Vinh, Network Manager
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Scientific Session 1 (10:30 am - 12:00 pm)
10:30 am | Quantifying Refinement: Metrics and Monitoring for Better Neuroscience Research
Daniel Segelcke, University of Münster
11:00 am | Refining operant behavioral assessment in a self-built homecage environment
Patrick Reinhardt, Ruhr-University Bochum
11:30 am | Animal models of autoimmune encephalitis
Lukas Paul Henning, University of Bonn
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm | Lunch Break & Networking
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Scientific Session 2 (12:45 pm - 14:15 pm)
12:45 pm | Molecular Neuropathology
Christian Thomas, University of Münster
1:15 pm | Functional human retinal organoids for vision research
Volker Busskamp, University of Bonn
1:45 pm | Using Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models for Drug Discovery: Sildenafil as a Potential Treatment for Mitochondrial Disease
Annika Zink, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm | Coffee Break & Networking
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Scientific Session 3 (2:45 pm - 3:45 pm)
2:45 pm | Non-invasive multi-parametric MRI for assessing rodent absence epilepsy models
Lydia Wachsmuth, University of Münster
3:15 pm | 3Rs in progress - what neuroscience can learn from animal-use statistics
Roman Stilling, Information Initiative "Tierversuche verstehen"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Symposium Closing (3:45 pm - 4:30 pm)
3:45 pm | Wrap Up
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm | Get Together & Networking
Venue
Multiscale Imaging Center
Röntgenstraße 16
48149 Münster
For more information about the venue, please check out the relevant university page here: MIC
Arrival by public transport
From Münster central station (Münster Westf Hbf) you can reach the MIC by bus in around 30 minutes.
Bus stops:
- Schreiberstraße: bus line 5, every 15 minutes from Münster Westf Hbf/bus platform B1 – bus line 11, every 20 minutes from Münster Westf Hbf/bus platform C1
- Mendelstraße: bus line 2, every 30 minutes from Münster Westf Hbf/bus platform C1
- P + R Coesfelder Kreuz: bus line 12, every 20 minutes from Münster Westf Hbf/bus platform C1
For the updates and more information, please check out the local public transportation here: Stadtwerke Münster
Registration is open!
Participation is free of charge with a valid registration. Therefore, we kindly ask you to register until September 18, 2025.
You will receive confirmation of your registration immediately after the end of the registration period.