3Rs - search page

NORINA is an English-language database containing information on over 3,500 audiovisual aids that may be used as alternatives or supplements to the use of animals in education and training, including dissection alternatives, at all levels from Junior School to University.  The information in the database has been collected from 1991 onwards.

FRAME is dedicated to the development of new and valid methods that will replace the need for laboratory animals in medical and scientific research, education, and testing. Where the use of animals is currently necessary, FRAME supports the reduction of numbers involved to an unavoidable minimum and refinement of experimental procedures to minimise any suffering caused. The E-learning resource of FRAME has been set up to provide teachers, school children, students and general supporters with information about the different areas of animal experimentation and with specific resources as to how it can be reduced, refined or replaced. 

The Swiss 3R Competence Centre (3RCC) promotes the 3Rs principle (replacement, reduction and refinement of animal experimentation) among the scientific community and the public. To facilitate the development and implementation of effective 3R methods and improve animal welfare it challenges research paradigms and creates innovative alternatives to animal use.

The website is maintained by Norecopa. It covers all Three Rs, is in English and free of charge.  

The Classic AVs database complements NORINA by providing information on audiovisual products produced some years ago, using technology which has been surpassed by modern digital techniques. We offer this collection for those who wish to continue to use classic technology.

Humane Endpoints Website is provided by 3Rs-Centre Utrecht Life Sciences, gives insight into the recognition and application of humane endpoints in rodents. The website contributes to refinement, the prevention of unnecessary suffering in laboratory animals, by offering information, videos and photographs of rodent species. In addition, the website provides free training modules (accessible after registration). The site is currently available in EN, NL and FR. DE and ES will follow soon.

AALAS is an association of professionals that advances responsible laboratory animal care and use to benefit people and animals.

The website is maintained by Norecopa. It covers all Three Rs, is in English and free of charge.  

EU 3Rs databases-The protection and welfare of animals is an area covered by a wide range of EU legislation. This includes the protection of wildlife, zoo animals, farm animals, animals in transport and animals used for scientific purposes. Animal studies, whether for the development or production of new medicines, for physiological studies, for studying environmental effects or for the testing of chemicals or new food additives, has to be carried out in compliance with EU legislation. 

Vaccination of animals against disease protects them from suffering. However, this comes with an animal welfare cost - the safety and efficacy of vaccines is assessed in experimental animals and the tests involved can cause significant pain and distress. There is an ethical dilemma in protecting one set of animals at the expense of others but implementation of the 3Rs can help to resolve this. The research animals department works with researchers involved in vaccine testing and regulators to promote the 3Rs in this important area.