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Biomedizinische Forschung
Who we areBiomedical ResearchResearch Infrastructure OUOrganizational unitsMedical University of Graz

Our principle: 3R

REPLACEMENT – REDUCTION – REFINEMENT (3R)

This is the goal of the 3R principle regarding animal testing.
Compliance with the 3R in scientific in vivo research is essential — it aligns with ethical and scientific principles and improves experimental outcomes. The 3R principle has therefore become the most frequently cited guideline in publications on in vivo experiments and forms the basis for many national and international regulations.

Concept and history of the 3R

The "3R concept" refers to measures suitable to replace, reduce, or refine suffering and stress in laboratory animals. By combining Good Scientific Practice and animal welfare, the aim is to improve experimental results through species-appropriate treatment of the animals.

Russell & Burch, 1959 „The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique“

What the 3R stand for

Replace

Substitution of animal experiments by adequate, validated methods:

  • Use of animals for cell, tissue, and organ collection for subsequent in vitro experiments

  • Combination of an alternative method and an in vivo experiment

  • Complete replacement of animal experiments by alternative methods

Reduce

Reduction of animal experiments can be achieved by various approaches, including:

  • Selection of the appropriate investigative method

  • Properly designed study protocols

  • Ensuring the best possible statistically significant result with the minimum number of animals

  • Maximizing information gained per animal

  • Use of in vivo imaging methods to examine the animal non-invasively or minimally invasively

Refine

Refinement of animal experiments can be achieved through all measures that reduce stress and other burdens for laboratory animals:

  • Laboratory animal housing, care, and handling
  • Enrichment materials (“Environmental Enrichment”)
  • Improved anesthesia procedures, pharmacological analgesia
  • Use of in vivo imaging methods
  • Clear definition of termination criteria and endpoints

Association for the Promotion of Alternative Biomodels (RepRefRed Society)

To promote the 3R principle in Austrian research and beyond, the Association for the Promotion of Alternative Biomodels (RepRefRed Society) was founded in 2016 from biomedical research. The non-profit association organizes topical meetings and events and focuses on active information exchange among researchers. The association is supported by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research.

Since 2017, the RepRefRed Society has regularly hosted the Austrian 3Rdays. The conference covers various aspects of the 3R and thus attracts a broad audience of researchers, laboratory animal veterinarians, animal caretakers, and interested participants. Additionally, the conference serves to network and encourages the development of innovative ideas in the field of 3R.

The 3R in Biomedical Research

Through offered trainings, collaboration with the RepRefRed Society, and the establishment and dissemination of alternative methods in line with the 3R, biomedical research contributes significantly to the implementation and promotion of the 3R principle throughout Austria.

Sekretariat Biomedizinische Forschung 
Roseggerweg 48
8036 Graz
T: +43 316 385 13275
E: bmf-sekretariat(at)medunigraz.at