The 3Rs – Replacement, Reduction, Refinement

Learn more about the three guiding principles we apply when using animals in research

The 3Rs – Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement – are a set of guiding ethical principles designed to ensure the humane and responsible use of animals in scientific research.

Implementing the 3Rs is essential not only for ethical and legal compliance but also for promoting high-quality, reproducible science. Researchers, institutions, and regulatory bodies are all responsible for upholding these principles and continuously seeking better alternatives to traditional animal use.

Replacement

These are methods that avoid or replace the use of animals altogether, such as computer modelling, cell cultures, or human-based studies.

Learn more about how we're replacing animals in research

Reduction

Where possible, we minimise the number of animals used in experiments without compromising the quality and validity of scientific results.

Find out how we're reducing the number of animals we use in research

Refinement

We modify procedures and improve animal care to reduce pain, suffering, and distress, thereby enhancing animal welfare.

Explore how we're refining our processes around animals in research