'Three Rs' education and training

Education and training are fundamental for boosting the uptake of alternative methods and the application of the 'Three Rs' (replacement, reduction and refinement of animal experiments) in science.

In 2016, EURL ECVAM conducted a study to gain an overview of existing Three Rs knowledge, identifying the sources and how they are used and shared. It emerged that, although Three Rs courses and resources are abundant, there is a need to further complement and amplify current education and training opportunities, especially at secondary school level but also at the level of higher education.

Since then, EURL ECVAM has been engaged in several education and training activities aiming at increasing the awareness of the Three Rs and alternative methods and approaches at the levels of secondary school, university and early professional training.

Educational initiatives

EURL ECVAM has launched two key initiatives to expand its educational impact.

The JRC Summer School on Non-animal Approaches in Science

This international biennial summer school on non-animal approaches in science is for postgraduates and early-career scientists. It aims to share knowledge and experience on the latest non-animal approaches and promote their use in biomedical research, regulatory applications, and drug development, giving young researchers a unique opportunity to learn from experts in the field and build a professional network.

More about the Non-animal Approaches in Science Summer School

The Student Ambassador Project

A global network that empowers university students to promote the Three Rs and non-animal approaches in science among their peers within academic and research institutions.

Explore the EURL ECVAM Ambassador Project

Educational resources

EURL ECVAM has produced a set of teaching resources on various Three Rs related subjects. These resources are freely available.

The ECVAM virtual laboratory experience

EURL ECVAM has developed an open-access virtual reality (VR) teaching tool designed for high school education. This resource supports learning about alternatives to animal testing through an engaging and interactive virtual environment, fostering a deeper understanding of the Three Rs principles.

Learn more and access the ECVAM virtual reality experience

Report: 'Introducing the Three Rs into secondary schools, universities and continuing education programmes'

The report describes how to incorporate Three Rs teaching into the curriculum of schools and universities and aims to reach decision-makers and influencers within education systems who contribute to educational policy-making at European, Member State or local level.

Introducing the Three Rs into secondary schools, universities and continuing education programmes

Massive Open Online Course (MOOC): The Three Rs and Animal Use in Science

This course, first shown in 2020, is tailored for life sciences teachers in secondary schools. It provides them with materials, support and tutorials to integrate the Three Rs in their classrooms.

MOOC: The Three Rs and Animal Use in Science

Learning scenarios for secondary schools and higher education

These scenarios contain instructions and tools for teachers to deliver a lesson on the Three Rs. They can form a basis or inspiration for a lecture or provide a ready-to-use plan for a secondary school lesson or series of lessons.

A slide set and an accompanying storyboard

Content that can be edited and re-purposed to support teachers in secondary school and higher education on two themes: Introduction and scientific and social context; the European Union and animals used for scientific purposes.

E-learning modules

These are two free, open access eModules developed in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Environment and available on the Education and Training Platform for Laboratory Animal Science (ETPLAS) platform.