The 3R-Center Tübingen participated in the Science & Innovation Days 2024 at the University of Tübingen and engaged in dialogue with interested members of the public. On November 15 and 16, 2024, Tübingen transformed into a vibrant center for exchange between science and society. Under the motto “Argue Better. Let’s Work on It Together,” researchers, prominent guests, and citizens engaged in open dialogue on pressing societal debates, including the topic of animal testing.
The 3R Center in Dialogue with the Public
The 3R-Center Tübingen took part in the Science Fair at the festival hub in the “Oberen Sälen” of the Museum Society with its own booth. Interested visitors had the opportunity to learn more about alternative and complementary methods in biomedical research as well as the center’s ongoing work. Numerous engaging conversations revealed a strong public interest in alternative and complementary methods such as organ-on-chip models, along with a clear demand for well-founded and accessible information on the potential and limitations of the 3R principles.
Open Dialogue on Animal Testing: 3R Expertise in Conversation
A special highlight was the participation of Prof. Peter Loskill at ther fishbowl discussion “Animal Testing: We Need to Talk” on Friday evening. Together with experts Prof. Stefan Treue, Dr. Stefanie Schindler, Prof. Andreas Nieder, Dr. Annette Denzinger,Prof. Loskill engaged in an open dialogue with the audience about the ethical, scientific, and societal dimensions of animal testing and alternative methods.
The discussion provided a respectful space for diverse perspectives and emphasized the importance of constructive debate for the continued advancement of both science and society.
An open and respectful dialogue between science and society is especially important when it comes to sensitive and controversial topics such as animal testing. Engaging with an interested public helps to make scientific backgrounds more transparent, reduce misunderstandings, and build trust in research processes. At the same time, scientists gain valuable insights into the questions, concerns, and expectations that exist within society.
The 3R-Center Tübingen is pleased to have been part of this dialogue and thanks all the visitors for their great interest, the engaging conversations, and the shared reflections on the future of responsible and animal-free research.
