Participation in the EU3Rnet meeting and the Next Gen3Ration Research conference
From September 17–18, 2025, we participated in the EU3Rnet workshop organised by the EU COST Action IMPROVE at the Università degli Studi di Genova, Italy. Immediately afterward, we attended the Next Gen3Ration Research conference at the same venue, where the RE-Place project was presented.
EU3Rnet and COST action IMPROVE
The COST Action IMPROVE is an initiative of EU3Rnet, a European network of 3R centers promoting the Three Rs of animal testing (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement). The network, founded in 2018 by Prof. Winfried Neuhaus, grew rapidly after a consensus statement in 2021, signed by 24 centers. The RE-Place team is closely involved in the EU3Rnet activities.
The EU COST Action IMPROVE aims at establishing a network to refine, harmonise and promote 3Rs concepts, data and documents, in order to improve the quality of biomedical science. The strategy for advancing the 3Rs focuses on five pillars: ensuring Quality & Applicability by critically evaluating the human relevance of all research models; fostering effective Implementation of 3R concepts through multisectoral cooperation; boosting Dissemination via accessible global channels; optimizing Education by integrating 3R content across all academic levels; and upholding Ethics through transparency and morally responsible conduct towards research subjects.
Network meeting
The network meeting gathered 40 in-person participants, alongside online attendees, including leading researchers and stakeholders. The workshop, opened by Arti Ahluwalia and Winfried Neuhaus, focused collaboratively on the 3Rs and the future role and activities of the EU3Rnet 3Rs centre network, with key discussions centering on communication, funding, and sustainability.
The workshop opened with an update on the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the participating 3R centres. Discussions then focused on launching a dedicated EU3Rnet website, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the network, and establishing the Balkan 3R Centre.
The second day highlighted organisational and management aspects of EU3Rnet, along with short pitches on emerging topics:
- Challenges faced by the 3R centre in Portugal,
- A new COST Action on the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay,
- Opportunities to contribute to the European Commission’s Roadmap on phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessment.
The workshop concluded with the creation of new working groups to address key challenges in the field.
Next Gen3Ration Research Conference
Following the EU3Rnet meeting, we attended the Next Gen3Ration Research conference organised by the Italian 3R Centre ‘Centro 3R’ at the same venue.
The conference kicked off with a session themed ‘New Advances Methodologies’, featuring a keynote lecture by Dr. Alexandra Schaffert (Tampere University) entitled ‘Finding a Place for NAMs - A New Scientific Era or Old News?’. During this session, Maude Everaert also presented the RE-Place project.
Subsequent sessions explored key themes such as:
- Biomaterials and Biofabrication,
- Bioreactors and Organ-on-a-Chip,
- Advances in Cellular and Computational Models, and
- Stem Cells and Organoid Technologies.
These sessions brought together keynote speakers, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers, all presenting their latest work. In addition, two poster sessions during the coffee and lunch breaks offered opportunities for participants to showcase and discuss their research.
Thank you to the organising committee for selecting our project for a presentation, and compiling such a nice program!
More information on the events
