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3R Competence Network NRW

In spring 2022, the eight medical faculties of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia formed the 3R Competence Network NRW. The aim of this state-wide network is to harmonize biomedical research and medical progress in NRW with the best possible animal welfare. The network is focused on the "3Rs principle": replace, reduce and refine.

With establishing 3R centers, creating a platform for inter- and transdisciplinary exchange as well as expanding the range of training and further education, the 3R competence network creates new synergies. The network promotes 3R research in NRW as a catalyst for innovation in animal welfare. Objective public relations work on animal experiments and progress in the 3R field complements the range of tasks of the 3R Competence Network.

The office, which has been active since August 2022, is located at the Medical Dean's Office of the Rheinische Friedrichs-Wilhelm-Universität Bonn and takes care of the strategic, administrative and communicative tasks of the 3R Competence Network. It is also the central point of contact for all concerns of the network members and for the interested public. Coordinators at the eight partner locations support the work of the office.

Current events

  • Norecopa | R3FINED Webinar Series in LAS 2026

    Public event

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    Online

  • BIH | Preclinical Rethinking Webinar

    Public event

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    Online

  • EALAS | 2. EALAS Congress

    Public event

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    On-site

    University Hospital Aachen
    Pauwelsstraße 30
    52074 Aachen
All events

News

A pupil practises suturing techniques on an artificial skin pad.

Internal, Media

Insights, Exchange, Perspectives: The 3R Competence Network NRW Strengthens Dialogue with Students

— As part of our school outreach activities, we look back on a particularly eventful and successful week: On March 17, 14 students from Gymnasium Fabritianum gained exciting insights into research, animal welfare, and the 3R principle during the 3R Discovery Day at the Institute of Laboratory Animal Science and the Central Laboratory for Laboratory Animals in Aachen. Just two days later, on March 19, we awarded a special prize for the first time at the state competition “Jugend forscht” in North Rhine-Westphalia, enabling the winners to take part in a one-week internship in 3R research.

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Die Schüler:innen erhielten einen Einblick in die Chirurgie an Labortieren im Rahmen eines Virtual-Reality-Trainings.

Internal, Media

From the Classroom to the Laboratory: 3R Project Week 2026 with Gymnasium Fabritianum at the Bonn Site

— What possibilities exist in biomedical basic research to conduct experiments without using animals? To what extent can alternative methods replace animal experiments? And under what conditions do laboratory animals live? In February, five students from Gymnasium Fabritianum took part in the 3R Project Week at the Bonn network site. They gained comprehensive insights into the 3R principle, animal experiments in basic research, and questions related to animal welfare.

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Die Abbildung für die International Laboratory Animal Technician Week 2026

Internal, Research, Advanced and Continuing Education

International Laboratory Animal Technician Week 2026: Appreciation for laboratory animals and responsibility in research

— International Laboratory Animal Technician Week (January 26–30, 2026) focuses on the people who take responsibility for the welfare of animals in research on a daily basis. This year, this special week was once again used to highlight the indispensable role of animal caretakers and laboratory animal technicians.

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