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The 3Rs Principle: Replace, Reduce, Refine
The University of Basel acknowledges its responsibility in the use of animals for research and is committed to consistently implementing and promoting the 3Rs principle – «Replacement, Reduction, Refinement» – in animal-based research and animal husbandry.
The 3Rs principle aims to replace animal experiments with alternative methods, reduce the number of experiments and animals used, minimize the stress on animals, and improve their welfare as much as possible while meeting the research objectives. A veterinarian serves as the 3R coordinator and is responsible for promoting and implementing the 3Rs principle. A delegate of the Rectorate of the University of Basel and the 3R coordinator are members of the strategic, respectively the executive board of the Swiss 3R Competence Centre (3RCC).
By joining the Culture of Care Charter of the Swiss 3R Competence Centre (3RCC), the University of Basel officially commits to respectful treatment of laboratory animals and personnel, the implementation of the 3R principles and transparent communication in animal research.
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Replacement
Replacement of animal research with animal-free methods.
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Reduction
Use of methods to reduce the number of animals in experiments or to increase the information gained from the same number of animals.
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Refinement
Use of methods to minimize animal suffering and burden in experimentation and husbandry, and to improve animal welfare.
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Russell WMS and Burch RL (1959): The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique. London: Methuen and Co. (Publ.) [Reissued: 1992, Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, Hertz, UK]
Replace Animal Experimentation
Alternative methods are are today an essential component of research across the globe and at the University of Basel. Animal experiments constitute only a small part of the research conducted, as they supplement the insights gained through animal-free methods and cutting-edge technologies.
For instance, our researchers routinely employ in-vitro techniques, in which cells are cultured and analyzed in a test tube. Moreover, innovative methods such as organoids and «organ-on-a-chip» technology are increasingly being utilized to investigate more complex relationships. Additionally, our research groups employ computer models to simulate biological processes in-silico.
Refine and Reduce Animal Experimentation
In cases where animal experiments are deemed necessary, our researchers make every effort to minimize stress and discomfort for the animals involved. This includes using non-aversive methods for restraining the animals and providing adequate pain management. The employees responsible for the animal facilities work diligently to optimize animal husbandry practices and to continuously monitor animal welfare. Amongst others they are evaluating enrichment materials in mouse husbandry – for example, different types of nesting material with which the animals can occupy themselves.
3R Projects at the University of Basel
At the University of Basel, several research groups are dedicated to developing innovative methods that align with the 3Rs principle. A few examples of ongoing projects as follows:
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Practical Implementation of the 3Rs
Many methods aimed at replacing, reducing, and improving animal experiments based on the 3Rs principle have already been widely implemented in various research areas at our university.
