We stimulate the 3Rs of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement - in that order

To reduce the use of laboratory animals in research and education, the 3Rs Centre Utrecht (3RCU) stimulates the 3Rs of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement – in that order. This website provides centralised information about the 3Rs and access to 3Rs tools. Additionally, you can find information about initiatives of the 3RCU. Our philosophy can be summarized as ‘ideas supported by data’, and we facilitate many targeted actions. Read more about our mission.

  • The R for Replacement encompasses initiatives that focus on the direct replacement of laboratory animals with animal-free alternatives. NAMs is a more inclusive term that also includes non-animal methods that are not directly aimed at the replacement of laboratory animals.

    Replacement & NAMs

  • The R of Reduction focuses on reducing the number of animals used per experiment. The R of Refinement focuses on everything that can increase the well-being of laboratory animals and/or reduce their discomfort.

    Reduction & Refinement

  • In order to support our mission, we are actively involved in a variety of projects centred around advancing the principles of the 3Rs.

    Projects Overview

  • The 3RCU hosts a central hub for 3Rs tools, both for research and educational purposes.

    Tools

  • This initiative facilitates access to NAMs experts in the form of a Suppo3Rt desk. Rather than offering a database of NAMs, we aim to bring you in contact to the experts behind the NAMs.

    Suppo3Rt

  • Learn about our team and our commitment to advancing animal-free innovation in research.

    About Us

  • Events

    • YTPI Conference 2025 – Connecting the Dots

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      On October 23–24, the YTPI Conference 2025 will bring together early-career researchers, educators, science communicators, and changemakers in Amsterdam to ‘Connect the Dots’ in the transition to animal-free science & innovation.
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Some of the images used on the 3RS website were generated with the assistance of AI.