Latest news from the NC3Rs: November 2023

Do you have an idea for a new 3Rs method, tool or technology? Have an existing 3Rs method and want to demonstrate it is fit-for-purpose for wider use by the research community? Submit an application for our Project grant scheme. Applicants should be able to demonstrate they can direct the proposed research – less experienced researchers are welcome to apply in collaboration with a more senior colleague. 

Please note the Funding team will be unavailable from 15 December 2023 until 2 January 2024. Should you have any queries please contact them at 3rsgrants@nc3rs.org.uk before Friday 15 December, 12.00.

To mark twenty years of 3Rs advances and innovation we have increased the funding available and widened the scope of the scheme. Everyone whose work advances the 3Rs, regardless of role or funder, can now apply for up to £2,000 to support a public facing activity or event in 2024. From 3D-printed fly organs and soft toy fish to card games and live demonstrations, our first round of awardees are preparing to share their research with patients, schools, charities and the wider public. Apply now to secure your funding for 2024!

Our latest research round-up explores the work we have funded to refine the use of fish in research. Across a decade of NC3Rs-funded research in this area we have built the evidence base for refinements including automated behaviour assessment and non-invasive welfare markers and supported the development of innovative tools and techniques to minimise the pain, suffering and distress of fish in research.

We are looking for an in vitro expert to join our Experimental Design and Reporting team. If you are interested in improving the reliability and reproducibility of science and accelerating the uptake of in vitro models to replace animal use, apply now.

In collaboration with LASA’s Home Office Liaison, Training and Information Forum we are running a survey on the role of the Named Information Officer (NIO). The survey aims to establish a national picture on how the NIO operates in practice, better understand how the role is supported and identify opportunities to further support those in this important role. If you are currently in an NIO role working in a UK research establishment (academic, industry, CRO or government funded) please take a few minutes to share your thoughts.

We have published an article highlighting attitudes of National Regulatory Authorities and Control Laboratories to applying the 3Rs in the quality control and batch release testing of biological products. This work is part of our project to review animal testing requirements in WHO guidelines, in collaboration with WHO and with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Engaging with regulators during the review process is key to accelerating wider integration of 3Rs approaches and helped to inform our recommendations to WHO.

Do you have an idea to improve R&D and reduce reliance on animal models or refine their use? We are looking for experts from industry, academia and the charitable sectors with research questions that could be solved with a 3Rs driven approach. The CRACK IT team are happy to explore your early ideas with you, contact us at crackitenquiries@nc3rs.org.uk.

We are re-opening applications for the CRACK IT aTRACKtive Challenge to develop non-invasive and non-toxic methods to identify individual mice from birth. Approaches that include wearables are now within remit. If you have an approach that could transform the identification of mice, apply now for up to £100k to solve the aTRACKtive Challenge.

Tuesday 16 January 2024, 9.00 – 10.00 (GMT)
Our Experimental Design Assistant (EDA) tool helps researchers at any level design robust in vivo experiments. Following a presentation of the key aspects of the online tool, Dr Esther Pearl (NC3Rs Experimental Design Programme Manager) will answer questions on how you can use the EDA to design and plan your next study. Limited spaces are available on a first come first served basis and attendees are eligible for CPD points.

Monday 4 – Wednesday 6 December 2023
12.00 – 16.00 (GMT)/13.00 – 17.00 (CET) daily
Through a combination of lectures, practical activities and tutorials, this online workshop will focus on the major steps required to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical animal studies using the freely available online platform Systematic Review Facility (SyRF). This workshop, delivered over three half days by the CAMARADES group, is free to attend for all researchers and would be particularly useful to those who have never undertaken a systematic review before.

Do you work with laboratory frogs? Join the Xenopus husbandry mailing list XenCare, a community of animal technicians and Xenopus scientists sharing questions and advice on frog health, handling and husbandry. Email tech3rs@nc3rs.org.uk to be connected with the organiser.