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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Our welfare webinars focus on evidence-based refinements for laboratory animals. Discover upcoming sessions and watch recordings of past webinars on our website: nc3rs.org.uk/3rs-resource...

nc3rs.org.uk

Welfare webinars

Practical welfare refinements to support positive change in day-to-day practice.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Register now for our welfare webinar exploring the role of anaesthesia and analgesia as key refinements for fish used in research. 📅 22 October, 12.30 – 13.30.  🙋🏻‍ For researchers, animal technicians and veterinarians 📜 Certificates of attendance available 👉 nc3rs.org.uk/events/welfa...

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Reposted by NC3Rs

Esther Pearl @drejpearl.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Would you like a little extra help designing in vivo experiments? Join me on 29 September as I demonstrate how to use the @nc3rs.bsky.social's Experimental Design Assistant (EDA). nc3rs.org.uk/events/exper...

nc3rs.org.uk

Experimental Design Assistant virtual workshop

An interactive online workshop on using the Experimental Design Assistant (EDA), online software to help design rigorous in vivo experiments.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

At this @nationalacademies.org webinar @drejpearl.bsky.social will share NC3Rs experimental design and reporting resources to support rigorous and reproducible experiments, reducing the wastage of animals in poor quality studies. 📅 7 October, 18.00 (BST)/13.00 (ET) 👉 nc3rs.org.uk/events/rigor...

Dr Esther Pearl, NC3Rs Experimental Design Programme Manager, at an in-person training workshop on the Experimental Design Assistant (EDA).

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Join us at next week’s welfare webinar to hear about the latest evidence and practical advice on skin swabbing as a refined alternative to fin clipping for fish DNA sample collection. 📅 Thursday 24 September, 12.00 – 13.00 ⏰ Registration closes: Wednesday 23 September 👉 nc3rs.org.uk/events/welfa...

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Chapter 2 includes comprehensive protocols for producing and collecting Xenopus eggs and embryos, including hormone doses to induce ovulation, egg collection, mating and IVF protocols and post-ovulation welfare monitoring: dx.doi.org/10.17504/pro...

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Chapter 1 outlines appropriate housing, husbandry and health monitoring for laboratory Xenopus, including environmental enrichment, identifying individual frogs and anaesthetic doses for different life stages: link.springer.com/protocol/10....

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

In the latest edition of 'Xenopus protocols' Esther Pearl (NC3Rs Experimental Design Programme Manager) has contributed to two chapters alongside experts from the European Xenopus Resource Centre, covering key refinements alongside breeding and colony management to reduce the number of frogs used.

NC3Rs co-authored chapter in Xenopus Methods and Protocols, available open access: Best practice in Xenopus housing, husbandry and the 3Rs, and Producing Xenopus eggs and embryos.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

A human 3D model of traumatic muscle injury, developed though the STRATIS CRACK IT Challenge and available through Myomaker Bio, replaces the use of rodents to study muscle damage and allows regenerative therapies to be developed and tested entirely in human tissue: nc3rs.org.uk/crackit/stra...

A human-cell based skeletal muscle tissue construct developed by Myomaker Bio through the NC3Rs STRATIS CRACK IT Challenge.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

The NC3Rs were commissioned by the Home Office’s Animals in Science Regulation Policy Unit to undertake a comprehensive review of how the principles of the 3Rs are incorporated into the PPL application and assessment process. The report is now live: nc3rs.org.uk/news/rethink...

nc3rs.org.uk

Rethinking the project licence application and assessment processes to maximise 3Rs impacts

New recommendations from the NC3Rs to improve both animal welfare and regulatory efficiency in the UK project licence application and assessment process.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Our session at next week’s Royal Statistical Society conference will highlight the important role of statisticians alongside NC3Rs resources to ensure rigour in biomedical research and reduce animals wasted in experiments that produce unreliable results. Find out more: nc3rs.org.uk/events/royal...

The Royal Statistical Society International Conference 2026. The UK's annual showcase for statistics and data science. Bournemouth, 7-10 September.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Funded through the NC3Rs Rodent Shelter CRACK IT Challenge, NestLab have developed an in-cage shelter to support rodent welfare from post-operative recovery through to routine housing, which provides controlled warmth and non-invasive welfare monitoring. Learn more: nc3rs.org.uk/crackit/rode...

The NestLab shelter to refine post-operative care of mice and the icon for the NC3Rs Rodent Shelter CRACK IT Challenge, which provided funding for the project.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Embracing advances in replacement technologies will support faster access to cheaper vaccines by the communities who need them most by moving away from animal models. Learn more about our project to support the 3Rs in biologicals testing, funded by Gates Foundation: nc3rs.org.uk/our-portfoli...

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

The results of our worldwide stakeholder survey, published in Biologicals, highlights support for non-animal methods in quality control and batch release of biologics, alongside the role of WHO and regulators to ensure alternatives are available and supported for adoption: doi.org/10.1016/j.bi...

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Skin swabbing is a refined alternative to fin clipping for DNA sampling of fish. It is less invasive than removing fin tissue, avoids anaesthesia and has been validated using behavioural and physiological measures of fish welfare. Learn more on our guidance page: nc3rs.org.uk/3rs-resource...

nc3rs.org.uk

Skin swabbing for DNA sampling of zebrafish

Learn more about skin swabbing as a welfare refinement, and how to establish a protocol for skin swabbing in your laboratory.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Register now for our upcoming welfare webinar on fish skin swabbing for refined DNA sampling. 📅 24 September, 12.00 – 13.00 🧑‍🔬 For researchers, animal technicians and veterinarians 📜 Certificates of attendance available 👉 nc3rs.org.uk/events/welfa...

Skin swabbing a zebrafish as a refined technique for DNA sampling.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

In our latest blog Fiona Sewell, NC3Rs Head of Toxicology, discusses collaborating with the global community on one of the most challenging questions in regulatory science – how to balance assuring human reproductive health with avoiding unnecessary animal suffering: nc3rs.org.uk/news/finding...

Timeline showing NC3Rs-led collaboration to improve dose-level selection in developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART) studies. Between 2022 and 2026, publications, workshops, symposia and stakeholder engagement helped clarify regulatory guidance, contributing to ECHA updating its advice and supporting more consistent, scientifically justified dose setting that reduces unnecessary animal suffering and minimises the risk of additional animal use in further studies.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

The organoids use human stem cells and avoid the use of animals and animal-derived cell culture reagents to study prostate development and disease. Adriana is now validating the platform to evaluate prostate cancer treatments through an NC3Rs PhD studentship. Read more: nc3rs.org.uk/our-portfoli...

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Adriana Buskin has fully replaced the use of rats in her lab at @newcastleuni.bsky.social using an animal-free prostate organoid developed with NC3Rs funding. Read her new publication in @cp-cellrepmethods.bsky.social: www.cell.com/cell-reports... Watch Adriana's video to learn more 👇

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Hear from NC3Rs NAMs Network members at our latest in-person event 👇 The Network brings together 900+ researchers, developers, industry and regulatory end-users focused on new approach methodologies (NAMs), representing 460+ organisations. Join our NAMs Network: nc3rs.org.uk/3rs-resource...

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

The 63rd annual @lasa-uk.bsky.social meeting will focus on disease modelling and the care of research animals. 📅 Mon 16 – Wed 18 November 👉 nc3rs.org.uk/events/lasa-... LASA strongly encourage the participation of early career animal technologists and researchers, including post-graduate students.

LASA Annual Meeting 2026, 16-18 November

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

The NC3Rs has a number of resources to support rigorous experimental design and thorough reporting, including the Experimental Design Assistant (EDA) and ARRIVE guidelines for research involving animals and the DRIVER recommendations for in vitro studies: nc3rs.org.uk/3rs-resource...

Collage representing animal use and alternatives in scientific research and testing: An in vitro microphysiological system, mice being picked up using a refined tunnel handling technique, and zebrafish in an aquaculture facility.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Biostatistician Penny Reynolds and NC3Rs Programme Manager @drejpearl.bsky.social discuss transparent reporting of animal research in the 60th anniversary edition of the Laboratory Animals Journal, exploring the link between the 3Rs, scientific quality and animal welfare: doi.org/10.1177/0023...

doi.org

Reporting and transparency in laboratory animal science: Past achievements, present concerns and future directions - Penny S. Reynolds, Esther J. Pearl, 2026

Transparent reporting of animal research is both a scientific and ethical imperative and is linked to both research quality and the principles of Replacement, R...

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Two new in silico models developed through the NC3Rs Thyroid Tox CRACK IT Challenge are able to predict thyroid receptor-mediated endocrine disruption and offer an alternative to some animal studies for thyroid endpoints. Find out more and access the models: nc3rs.org.uk/crackit/thyr...

Molecular chemical structures floating on a blue background.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

To support researchers to use the DRIVER recommendations we have developed a complementary online resource that includes practical tips, interactive content and worked examples to illustrate key concepts that underpin best practice. Access the resource: nc3rs.org.uk/3rs-resource...

nc3rs.org.uk

DRIVER recommendations

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Developed in partnership with experts from around the world, the recommendations focus on the full experimental process for in vitro studies, from the design through to data analysis and reporting. Find out more about their development: nc3rs.org.uk/3rs-resource...

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Today we are pleased to launch the DRIVER recommendations, a new framework designed to improve the quality, reliability and reproducibility of research using in vitro models: nc3rs.org.uk/news/driver-...

nc3rs.org.uk

The DRIVER recommendations: Improving the quality of in vitro research

New NC3Rs recommendations set international standards for designing and reporting in vitro research.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Using female and male animals should be expected by default to reduce the total number of animals and ensure studies produce generalisable results. Involved in ethical review? Explore SIRF-UP, a practical pathway to address sex bias in preclinical research proposals: sabv.eu/article/sirf...

A black mouse and pups in a laboratory cage with sawdust and bedding material.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Three months on from launching SIRF-UP, an @eu-sabv.bsky.social initiative to support ethical review bodies assess sex inclusivity in animal research, a new publication renews our call to get involved, share your experiences and use the Sex Inclusive Research Framework. 👉 doi.org/10.1177/0023...

Steps in the SIRF-UP (Sex Inclusive Research Framework - Understanding and Practice) process: pre-engagement survey, a support pack, apply the SIRF, post-engagement survey, stay involved.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Recordings available – Best practice in research animal anaesthesia: nc3rs.org.uk/3rs-resource... Veterinary anaesthetists from the Research Animal Anaesthesia Network (RAAN) shared their expertise and advice with over 300 attendees from 26 countries, to improve welfare and experimental outcomes.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Recordings from the first five sessions of the series are now available. Discover 3Rs-focused approaches in assessing chemical or drug toxicity and connect with teams for collaboration opportunities. nc3rs.org.uk/crackit/nams...

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Speakers will showcase technologies with the potential to replace animal use, including a genetically engineered lung cancer model, a zebrafish multi-omics assay for developmental toxicity, lab-grown musculoskeletal tissues, and iPSC-derived cardiac and multi-tissue safety screening assays.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Register now for the sixth webinar in our Technology Partn3Ring series on new approach methodologies (NAMs) to explore collaboration opportunities with the speakers. Wednesday 15 July 14.00 – 15.15 BST Register 👉 events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ed2a34...

Banner advertising the 6th session in our technology parnt3Ring webinar series on NAMs.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

The fifth annual Galleria mellonella workshop returns with a two-day programme including a research seminar and hands-on laboratory sessions. Organised by @gmrc.bsky.social to support the use of Galleria as a partial replacement model. 📅 8 – 9 September 📍 Exeter, UK 👉 nc3rs.org.uk/events/galle...

Wax moth larvae, Galleria mellonella, in a laboratory petri dish.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

💬 Share your thoughts on where alternatives to replace animal use would have the most significant impact: engagementhub.ukri.org/mrc-peg/expr... 🥼 For scientists in academia and industry. ⏰ <15 minutes to complete. 📅 Deadline: 7 August. With @ukri.org MRC, BBSRC, EPSRC and @innovateuk.bsky.social.

A microphysiological system and a computer programme, representing in vitro and in silico alternatives to replace animal use.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

3Rs leaflets are available to engage public audiences about efforts to replace, reduce and refine animal use in research: nc3rs.org.uk/3rs-resource... Created by Dr Yu Liu @mrc-lms.bsky.social with the support of the NC3Rs Communications Team and funding through our public engagement award scheme.

Information leaflets on the replacement, reduction and refinement of animal research, created through an NC3Rs public engagement award.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Recordings from the first three sessions of the series are now available. Discover 3Rs-focused approaches in assessing chemical or drug toxicity and connect with teams for collaboration opportunities. nc3rs.org.uk/crackit/nams...

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

NAMs Technology Partn3Ring webinar: Session 5 17 June, 14.00 BST Explore in silico modelling, bioengineered bone organoids, airway-on-chip, and human cardiac tissue models for preclinical drug development and toxicity assessment. Register 👉 events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7b230e...

NC3Rs Technology Partn3Ring New Approach Methodologies webinar series, session 5: Wednesday 17 June, 14.00-15.15 (BST)

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Register now for two upcoming sessions on best practice in research animal anaesthesia to improve welfare and experimental outcomes. 📅 16 and 25 June, 12.00 – 13.00 🙋🏻‍ For researchers, animal technicians and veterinarians 📜 Certificates of attendance available 👉 nc3rs.org.uk/welfare-webi...

A rat anaesthetised following good veterinary practice, lying on a warming mat and monitored with a temperature probe.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

The NC3Rs are the longest running partner of Pint of Science – we have held events since 2014 to give the public a chance to meet scientists advancing the 3Rs, ask questions about the use of animals in research and learn more about the work of the NC3Rs and the pioneering research we have funded.

A member of NC3Rs staff presenting at our Pint of Science public engagement event in Newcastle.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

In a feedback survey attendees said the talks were informative, interesting, interactive and insightful. Most (74%) rated their knowledge of the 3Rs as 1/5 before the event, increasing to an average of 3.7/5 after. Thank you to everyone who came, our fantastic speakers and the Pint of Science teams!

An NC3Rs-funded scientist presenting at our Pint of Science public engagement event in London.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Over 100 people joined our @pintofscience.uk events in Newcastle, Bristol and London last week to meet NC3Rs-funded scientists pioneering new approaches to replace animal use to study disease and develop medicines – including human tissue, organoids, organ-on-chip, 3D bioprinting and fruit flies.

Attendees at the NC3Rs Pint of Science public engagement event in Bristol.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

The maintenance work has been completed and our websites are working as normal this morning. Thank you for your patience.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Please note that our websites (including the main NC3Rs site, Innovation Platform and ARRIVE guidelines site) may be down for maintenance this evening (UK time) for up to an hour. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. This post will be updated once the work has been carried out.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Picking up mice using a tunnel or cupped hands instead of by the tail is a significant refinement for mice. Learn more about the evidence behind these techniques and take the refined mouse handling e-learning course, created by the NC3Rs and the US 3Rs Collaborative: nc3rs.org.uk/3rs-resource...

A laboratory mouse being picked up in a plastic tunnel.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

We are supporting technical staff at Newcastle University to drive the uptake of refined mouse pick up methods across the UK. Discover how their workshops have supported staff at the University of Leeds to implement cup and tunnel handling as standard. Read the blog: nc3rs.org.uk/news/making-...

nc3rs.org.uk

Making refined mouse handling the UK standard

The NC3Rs is supporting technical staff at Newcastle University to drive the uptake of refined mouse pick up methods across UK institutions.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Are you interested in learning more about science happening in your city to study disease, find new drugs and improve human health without using animals? Meet scientists replacing animals in research at NC3Rs @pintofscience.uk events next week! 🎟️ Buy your ticket: pintofscience.co.uk/sponsor/nc3rs/

NC3Rs Pint of Science: Newcastle 18 May, Bristol 19 May, London 20 May. Icons representing alternative approaches to replace animals in research.

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Our Experimental Design Assistant (EDA) can be used as a tool to teach others about key experimental design concepts in an interactive way. Join our online train-the-trainers workshop with @irise-eu.bsky.social to find out more. 📅 10 and 17 June, 13.00 – 16.00 BST 👉 nc3rs.org.uk/events/irise...

NC3Rs and iRISE train-the-trainer online workshop: Reproducibility and the Experimental Design Assistant, Wednesday 10 and 17 June, 13.00 - 16.00 (BST)

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

The countdown is on! The deadline for applications to our international 3Rs Prize, sponsored by GSK, is fast approaching. Submit your publication for consideration by Monday 4 May 2026: nc3rs.org.uk/internationa...

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NC3Rs @nc3rs.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

🏆 The 3Rs Prize award consists of a £28k Prize grant and a £2k personal award to further your work and its impact. ✍️ Do you have a paper that fits the remit? Complete the short application form by Monday 4 May 2026.

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