4th Annual Meeting

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the 4^th Annual Meeting of the 3R-Competence Network of North Rhine-Westphalia from November 26^th to 27^th, 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 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 by Petra Seeberg (University of Zurich) and Stephan Zeitler (AO Research Institute Davos), 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. Short talks selected from submitted abstracts offer a platform for emerging researchers to showcase their work.

Furthermore, there will be a satellite workshop on the November 25^th, 2026, for all participants interested in exploring the topic of communication regarding animal experiments and the 3Rs.

Beyond the scientific program, we will provide ample opportunities for networking and collaboration, including a Get-Together Event at the location CT² in the first conference evening.

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 in Vaals!

Best regards,

Organizing Team