The challenge: To define a future cardiovascular research agenda with reduced reliance on the use of in vivo models. The NC3Rs, in partnership with the British Pharmacological Society and the Physiological Society, has invited some of the UK's leading cardiovascular researchers to address this ambitious and difficult challenge at a one-day symposium on 31 March 2010.

What's new

• NC3Rs e-newsletter - Issue 25
  Includes launch of Annual Report 2009, winner of 3Rs Prize and guidance on dose selection.
• Annual report
  The 2009 annual report describes the key achievements of the NC3Rs in its 5th year, including increased funding for 3Rs research, engaging with the public, and a workshop on innovating chemical risk assessment.
• New way to grow embryonic stem cells holds promise
  The winner of this year’s annual NC3Rs 3Rs Prize has developed a new method of priming early embryos to form embryonic stem (ES) cells.
• Mathematical models in cardiac electrophysiology
  Martin Fink, Penelope J Noble & Denis Noble FRS, Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford.
• Studentships awarded to attract top graduates
  The NC3Rs has awarded its first PhD studentships to five leading UK research groups.