About us
The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), established by the UK Government, is an independent scientific organisation, and the largest funder of 3Rs research in the UK.
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The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), established by the UK Government, is an independent scientific organisation, and the largest funder of 3Rs research in the UK.
The NC3Rs works in partnership with bioscience research funders, academia, industry, regulators and animal welfare organisations, both in the UK and internationally, to advance the 3Rs by:
Inspiring scientists and fostering innovative thinking
Bringing together experts from a range of disciplines and sectors to explore the 3Rs potential of new or under-exploited technologies
Working with scientists and regulatory authorities to highlight opportunities for implementing the 3Rs
By funding high quality 3Rs research in universities and industry
Through peer review and best practice guidelines
Including scientific symposia and focused workshops as part of our integrated programmes , providing unique forums for discussion and interaction
By awarding an annual prize for a publication that has positive 3Rs and scientific impacts
Via our information portal, range of publications, peer reviewed articles and expert working groups
The NC3Rs is funded by the following organisations - MRC, BBSRC, Home Office, Wellcome Trust, ABPI, GSK, Unilever, The Dow Chemical Company, SC Johnson, Syngenta and Shell.
The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) was established in May 2004. 
The Centre's mission is to use the 3Rs to support science, innovation and animal welfare in the biosciences.
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
The NC3Rs organises a range of free events, including scientific symposia and workshops, which provide unique forums for discussion and interaction on the 3Rs.
The NC3Rs Board is comprised of experts across the spectrum of animal research, care and welfare.
The NC3Rs delivers its activities through programme areas, each of which is controlled by a programme manager.
The 3Rs - Replacement, Refinement and Reduction - are a widely accepted ethical framework for conducting scientific experiments using animals humanely.
Just under 3.7 million animals were used in scientific procedures in the UK last year (Home Office data for 2008).
The 3Rs link science and society by bringing together opportunities for scientific innovation and the ethics of animal research.
The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) regulates the use of animals in scientific procedures in the UK.
Answers to frequently asked questions.
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NC3Rs | 20 Park Crescent, London W1B 1AL | Tel: 020 7670 5331 | Fax: 020 7670 5178 | Email: enquiries@nc3rs.org.uk