Since 2020, the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts (MWK) Baden-Württemberg has supported the establishment of the 3R-Center Tübingen for In vitro Models and Alternatives to Animal Testing which is jointly supported by the Medical Faculty of the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen and the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen in Reutlingen.
The 3R-Center Tübingen
Our Mission
With our 3R-Center Tübingen, we aim to provide scientists with a low-threshold access to novel replacement and complementary methods to animal testing. By strengthening research capabilities, the goal is to create a broad, interdisciplinary awareness of these new approaches.
With a focus on “Replacement“, we are working on the development of a technology platform that includes in vitro models both commercially available systems and already established prototypes of our own development or that of our 3R-Network Baden-Württemberg partners.
- Support of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science in establishing the 3R-Network Baden-Württemberg
- Establishment of an extensive digital information & communication platform for various target groups
- Establishment & implementation of workshops and training programs
- Establishment of a 3R-technology platform in the form of a core facility
What we stand for
Education, Training and Consulting
At the interface between research, politics, teaching and the general public, we work closely together with the respective target groups. We inform scientists, clinicians, politicians and the general public about the 3R-activities in Baden-Württemberg, prepare the content for the respective target groups and present it accordingly. In addition, we design and organize subject-specific seminars, workshops and training programs for the individual target groups and also actively participate in the Baden-Württemberg university education.
We also advise and support researchers in deciding which alternative method or technology can adequately replace an animal experiment in a specific scientific question.
Support
The establishment of a strong network between researchers, clinicians, educators, regulators and industry representatives is an important cornerstone of the 3R-Center Tübingen. By actively promoting the development of new technologies and the Baden-Württemberg-wide dissemination of new research results, we are advancing the use of modern in vitro models and alternatives to animal testing.
Research
In the 3R-Center Tübingen, we work on the development and qualification of Organ-on-Chip (OoC)-Systems and Enabling Technologies as well as on the application of OoC models for basic research, drug development/ pharmacological research, personalized medicine, consumer protection and toxicology. With the international team of µOrganoLab led by Prof. Dr. Peter Loskill, we work at the interdisciplinary interface between materials and engineering sciences, physics, biology, and medicine.
In close cooperation with the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute in Reutlingen, we offer the opportunity to adhere to the principles of the 3Rs (Replace, Reduce, Refine), aiming to reduce the use and necessity of animal experiments by employing state-of-the-art human-relevant replacement and complementary methods. This enhances the transferability of preclinical results to clinical phases, thereby making the entire development process more cost-effective, safe, and efficient.
Become part of the Network!
Do you have questions about the 3R-Center Tübingen or the 3R-Network Baden-Württemberg?
Dr. Silke Riegger
