The 3R-Center Tübingen at the Ellwangen State Garden Show
What do flower beds, landscape gardening, and modern biomedical research have in common? At the Ellwangen State Garden Show, the Treffpunkt Baden-Württemberg provided the perfect setting to engage with the public and explore exactly that question.
As part of the 3R-Network Baden-Württemberg, the 3R-Center joined the other 3R centers from THE LÄND at the event to discuss the future of biomedical research with visitors from across the region. Surrounded by vibrant gardens and innovative landscaping concepts, we had the opportunity to engage in numerous conversations about scientific innovation, human-relevant research, and the development of new research methods. Young, curious children also had the opportunity to explore scientific topics in a playful way in our small craft lab.
A key topic of discussion was how innovative, human-relevant research methods can help improve our understanding of diseases and accelerate medical innovation. We highlighted the growing importance of research models that more closely reflect human biology and therefore offer new opportunities for studying complex biological processes.
Particular attention was given to Organ-on-Chip technology, an area in which the 3R-Center has extensive expertise. These microphysiological systems recreate key functions of human organs on miniature chips, enabling researchers to investigate biological mechanisms under highly controlled conditions. Organ-on-Chip models provide powerful new tools for disease research, drug development, and the study of scientific questions with direct relevance to human health.
Alongside the opportunities offered by these innovative technologies, we also discussed the challenges that remain in their development, validation, and broader implementation within biomedical research.
We were very pleased to engage not only with visitors, but also with our colleagues from 3R‑BioMedicUS as well as other partners from Reutlingen, Furtwangen, Mannheim, Heidelberg, and Ulm. It was a great opportunity to come together as a network outside the laboratory setting, share experiences, and further develop joint perspectives.
Many thanks to the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts for their continuous support of our research and for providing this valuable opportunity to engage with the public.
