The 3R-Center Tübingen, founded between the University of Tübingen and the NMI in Reutlingen, is intended as a state-wide cross-sectional center to provide basic researchers with low-threshold access to novel alternative methods. With a focus on “Replacement“, work is being done on setting up a technology platform comprising in vitro models of varying complexity (both commercially available systems and already established prototypes developed in-house or by Baden-Württemberg network partners). In addition to establishing a comprehensive digital information and communication platform for various target and interest groups, the 3R-Center Tübingen is also committed to establish and conduct targeted training workshops for scientists, information events and webinars. Through the active participation in academic teaching, the targeted and sustainable application and development of new technologies is promoted medium and long term.

Jointly supported by the University of Heidelberg and the Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim Jointly supported 3R-Center Rhine-Neckar complements with its focus on “Refine” and “Reduce” the work of the 3R-Center Tübingen and pursues four main aspects: establishment of a central database for animal material, activities in continuing education and teaching as well as open access, assistance in designing new experiments and supervision of internal 3R-research activities.

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 Gut Health (ICGH)‘s 3R-Project at the University of Heidelberg is dedicated to the study of intestinal diseases. The focus is on the personalized analysis of functional disorders of the intestinal nervous system using patient data and individual in vitro models. The long-term goal here is to generate patient-specific 3D organoids, consisting of intestinal epithelium, immune and neuronal cells which can mimic individual organ functions, thereby contributing to a better understanding and treatment of intestinal diseases.

The 3R-US Network, which is jointly supported by the University of Stuttgart and the Robert-Bosch-Hospital/Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, pursues the goal of setting new accents for the integration of engineering science into biomedical research in the focus areas of molecular diagnostics, biomaterials and simulation. This involves building a vascularized ex vivo technology platform that reflects the complexity and heterogeneity of a human tumor (breast cancer and ovarian) to allow testing of novel targeted therapeutics and combination therapies. Tumor models are to be constructed from biomaterials and cells using 3D printing processes in a life-like manner as a replacement system for animal experiments. In the long term, the data obtained ex vivo will provide a basis for the development of in silico tumor models for the simulation and prediction of therapeutic effects.

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.