The THE 3R LÄND Conference strengthens new pathways for human‑relevant research
Future research must become more human-relevant. New methodological approaches to the development and testing of drugs and therapies—so-called New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)—not only open up innovative but also forward-looking perspectives for a form of medicine that is even closer to humans and can more precisely model specific complex disease mechanisms. They have the potential to complement animal models and, in certain areas, replace them—particularly where human-specific disease mechanisms can be better represented. At the same time, challenges remain with regard to validation, standardization, and the modeling of complex systemic processes. In the field of tension between ethics, scientific progress, and regulatory requirements, the 3R principle and the development of human-relevant test systems are of great societal importance.
With the THE 3R LÄND Conference, a platform for intensive scientific exchange was once again established in Tübingen this year. Following opening remarks by President Prof. Dr. Karla Pollmann (Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen), Dean Prof. Dr. Sara Brucker, DFG Vice President Prof. Dr. Karin Jacobs, and Medical Director Prof. Dr. Thomas Gasser, the three-day conference commenced.
Nearly 300 participants gathered at the Morgenstelle campus in Tübingen to discuss how NAMs can transform research toward more human-relevant models. Each day of the conference began and concluded with international keynote lectures that offered new perspectives on science, technology, and translation.
Day 1 – Innovations in Biomedical Research
The scientific program opened with a keynote by Milica Radisic, University of Toronto: “Self-Driving Laboratory for Vascularized Human Organ-on-a-Chip Cultivation.” An inspiring start to a conference full of fresh ideas and lively discussions.
This was followed by two in-depth sessions exploring the latest innovations in the fields of organ-on-a-chip technologies and organoids. In the evening, a dynamic poster session fostered active exchange among researchers.
Day 2 – NAMs in Practice
Speakers in the industry session presented practical applications of NAMs—from advanced intestinal models to toxicological approaches. In her keynote, Annie Moisan (Roche) demonstrated how patient-centered preclinical workflows are advancing kidney research.
Pauline Jeckel moderated a panel discussion on Training & Education, bringing together diverse perspectives from Europe and the United States:
- Uma Lanka (Humane World for Animals, UK)
- Lena Smirnova (The Johns Hopkins University, USA)
- Milena Mennecozzi (European Commission, Joint Research Centre, IT)
- Hanna Vuorenpää (3R-Center Tübingen, DE)
Together, the panelists discussed how to equip the next generation of scientists with the necessary skills and an interdisciplinary mindset for a rapidly evolving research landscape. NAMs are no longer merely innovative methods—they are increasingly shaping how therapeutic approaches are identified, validated, and further developed.
The conference day concluded on a festive yet lighthearted note at the Conference Dinner, highlighted by a musical keynote from Steven Ray Wilson (University of Oslo), accompanied by Martin Kriebel (NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute).
Day 3 – Closing Day
The third day of the conference began with a keynote by Roser Vento-Tormo (Wellcome Sanger Institute): “Gene Regulation in Human Cell Systems.” This was followed by sessions on in silico models, toxicology, and biomedical research. The program concluded with an inspiring keynote by Lena Smirnova: “MPS – Shaping the Future of Biomedical Research from Bench to International Society.”
During the closing ceremony, the 3R-Center, Dynamic42, and PyroScience honored the best scientific poster contributions. A scientific committee had previously reviewed and evaluated all submitted posters. Three early-career researchers were recognized for their outstanding work: Ronja Becker, Vasileios Kostakis, and Sean Scanlon Boyle.
A Big Thank You!
Our special thanks go to the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts of Baden-Württemberg and to Minister Petra Olschowski for making this conference possible.
And to our sponsors:
Dynamic42 GmbH, Boehringer Ingelheim, Greiner Bio-One International, Multi Channel Systems GmbH, BiomimX® Srl, STEMCELL Technologies, Thorlabs, Celvivo, Leica Microsystems, cellasys know-how UG (haftungsbeschränkt), PyroScience GmbH, THT Biomaterials GmbH, PL BioScience GmbH, and Sartorius.
