The 3R-Center Tübingen for In vitro Models and Alternatives to Animal Testing focuses on Organ-on-Chip and Microphysiological Systems as human-relevant replacement and complementary methods to animal testing. These microfluidic platforms contain living tissue structures within a controlled microenvironment and replicate complex human biological processes outside the body, such as those involved in drug testing.

The 3R Center’s main areas of engagement are:

• Science Communication & Public Outreach
• Education & Training
• Core Facility for Microphysiological Systems (MPS)

A key priority is knowledge transfer and fostering acceptance of these novel models to drive their application forward. The MPS Core Facility offers easy access to essential infrastructure and expertise, with trained staff providing professional support to researchers from study planning through to data analysis.

The Center is organizationally aligned with the Medical Faculty of Eberhard Karls University Tübingen and the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute in Reutlingen.

Further information on the work of the 3R-Center Tübingen, the monthly #Talking3RScience webinar series, and upcoming events, are shared on the 3R-Center Tübingen’s X channel, or LinkedIn.

The 3R-Center Rhein-Neckar is dedicated to actively strengthening animal welfare and enhancing methods in animal testing to advance biomedical progress. By bringing together the expertise of its partners—the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, University Medical Center Mannheim, and Heidelberg University—the center collaboratively promotes the priorities of “Reduce” and “Refine”.

A key mission of the center is to improve the coordination of animal testing, facilitating knowledge exchange and mutual support to ensure that the highest standards in 3R scientific practices are consistently applied. The center has also established itself as a central resource for robust and reproducible experimental planning in biomedical research, following the 6R principle. Through targeted refinement efforts by its partners, measures continue to be developed to improve animal welfare by advancing the assessment of stress and burden.

The focus of the 3R-Project “NAM-ACCEPT – Research and harmonization activities to promote acceptance of advanced animal-free new approach methods (NAM) and data therefrom in different stakeholder communities“ of the transatlantic joint venture CAAT-Europe (Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing in Europe) between the University of Konstanz and the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, USA is on improved in vitro-to-in vivo transferability which is particularly relevant in terms of drug transport (biokinetics) and its intended and unintended effects in therapy. In addition, further international standardization and harmonization of new methods and data processing will be pursued. In addition, further international standardization and harmonization of new methods and data processing will be pursued.

The Interdisciplinary Center for Intestinal Health (IZDG) brings together a diverse team of scientists, physicians, and bioinformaticians specializing in the molecular causes of intestinal diseases, including Hirschsprung’s disease, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Following the “Replace” principle, the IZDG exclusively uses human cell and organ culture models derived from patient tissue for experimental research. Additionally, the center collects clinical, phenotypic, epigenetic, and genetic data, which are integrated through advanced data analyses. The goal is to achieve a comprehensive understanding of underlying pathomechanisms within a patient-specific context, driving the development of alternative, personalized therapeutic options. The IZDG is also actively involved in education to promote awareness of the 3R principle.

3R-BioMedicUS unites biomedical research and education at the University of Stuttgart to develop innovative, predictive patient models as alternatives to animal testing. By applying advanced 3R technologies, we aim to increasingly replace animal experiments. For instance, can plant stems help validate new heart stents? Or, how can virtual models of the human body on high-performance computers yield insights that surpass those from animal testing? Additionally, 3D-printed tissue models and tiny tumor samples in petri dishes are crucial for advancing new cancer treatments. 3R-BioMedicUS students and researchers are trained to recognize the potential of these modern technologies and to evaluate them ethically. The mission is to create impactful patient models and pioneering therapeutic approaches that will shape the future of biomedical research.

In the research project “Overcoming Translational Barriers – Improving Evidence and Predictive Value in Experimental Research” at the University of Freiburg, a systematic, meta-analytical approach to detect and correct currently prevailing “publication bias” is being developed to improve the translation of preclinical spinal cord injury studies into application without additional animal testing.

The project “Refinement in Complex Stressful Experiments on Mice” at the University of Ulm accompanies experiments from trauma research and establishes and improves refinement measures for animals that are particularly stressed by experiments or breeding.

In the research project “Characterization and Advancement of 3D Heterotypic Spheroids from Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas” at the University of Heidelberg, 3D spheroids reflecting tumor geometry are optimized and further developed in order to establish individualized therapies for squamous cell carcinomas. This involves the use of humanized culture conditions in order to replace fetal calf serum.

The project learning lab “BioMED-Lab” at Reutlingen University is intended for students in the undergraduate course Biomedical Sciences. In the course of this project, the BioMED-Lab will be extended by 3D bioprinting methods and a video repository, the practical knowledge transfer as well as the reflection ability of ethical and legal aspects of animal experiments. This should lead to more in-depth training in the 3Rs for prospective graduates.

The aim of the educational project at the University of Ulm is to establish and conduct recognized, certified “6R courses” to improve the quality of animal experimental studies in biomedical research. In doing so, the courses will cover the entire animal walfare area in animal experimentation with two main areas of focus: 1) identifying and reducing exposures in animal studies and 2) contemporary quality management in animal experimentation to increase the reproducibility of animal experiments and the translational rate. The courses are intended for scientists, animal welfare officers, animal house managers and authority representatives.