The 3R's and Alternatives to Animal Use
The organisations listed below work on the principle of the 3R's - Replacement, Refinement and Reduction.
Replacement:
The use of non-animal methods such as cell cultures, human volunteers and computer modelling instead of animals to achieve a scientific aim.
Refinement:
The use of methods that alleviate or minimise potential pain, suffering or distress, and that enhance animal welfare for those animals that cannot be replaced.
Reduction:
The use of methods that enable researchers to obtain comparable amounts of information from fewer animals, or more information from the same number of animals.
Licences to perform any procedure involving animals in the UK will only be granted provided that there is no alternative to the use of animals, that the number of animals has been minimised, and that any suffering or other harmful effects experienced by the animals have been weighed against the potential benefits.Related Links
The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs)
The NC3Rs brings together stakeholders in the 3Rs in academia, industry, government and animal welfare organisations to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas, and the translation of research findings into practice that will benefit both animals and science.
Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments (FRAME)
FRAME was founded in 1969 to promote the concept of alternatives to the use of laboratory animals in medical research and toxicity testing. They publish the journal ATLA (Alternatives to Laboratory Animals) and have an excellent 'Information resources' section on their website.
Focus on Alternatives (FoA)
Focus on Alternatives brings together representatives from British non-profit organisations, which fund the development, or promote the acceptance of methods that replace the use of laboratory animals in research, education and testing. Organisations currently represented on FoA include Dr Hadwen Trust, FRAME, The Humane Research Trust, UK Human Tissue Bank (UKHTB), St Andrew Animal Fund (part of Advocates for Animals), RSPCA and Lord Dowding Fund.
European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM)
The duties of ECVAM (as defined in the Communication of the European Commission to Council and the European Parliament in October 1991) are: 1) To coordinate the validation of alternative test methods at the European Union level. 2) To act as a focal point for the exchange of information on the development of alternative test methods. 3) To set up, maintain and manage a database on alternative procedures. 4) To promote dialogue between legislators, industries, biomedical scientists, consumer organisations and animal welfare groups, with a view to the development, validation and international recognition of alternative test methods.
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Also of interest
When will chemistry replace animal toxicity testing?
Alternatives To Animal Testing
Copyright: 2006Ron E Hester
An up-to-date discussion of the development of alternatives to animal testing, ideal for professionals and academics.
Contact and Further Information
Library & Information Centre
Royal Society of Chemistry,
Burlington House,
Piccadilly,
London W1J 0BA
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7440 3373
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7287 9798
