LAUSR

In August 2021, the WC11 was performed as a virtual event with the main theme ‘3Rs in transition: from development to application’. The event focused on the discrepancy between progress in cutting-edge nonanimal methods and their limited implementation in standard scientific pipelines and regulatory frameworks. New technologies such as stem cell/iPSCsbased screenings, organoids, and bioengineered organ-on-a-chip devices are increasingly being used as non-animal alternatives and hold tremendous potential for translational discovery. However, measurable progress in terms of replacing animal models and reducing the numbers of laboratory animals currently used in research remains low due to several reasons. The meeting hosted various expert panel discussions focused on the identification of barriers and challenges for the implementation of non-animal alternatives and advocating the commitment of the scientific community to set up a clear path towards alternatives’ implementations in the future. With the subdivision into four main topics – Safety; Disease; Ethics, Welfare and Regulation; and Innovative Technologies – the congress successfully provided an all-round perspective on the different 3R fields in need of immediate actions. With respect to non-animal alternatives and the reduction and refinement of animal experiments, some challenges discussed were reproducibility, standardization, and evaluation, which need to be addressed to ensure reliability and implementation especially in biomedical and fundamental research. Other challenges such as transparent dissemination and communication, as well as the need for further collaboration on a global scale and engagement with different stakeholders, were continuously named keywords to pave the way for higher acceptance of 3Rs methods and technologies among end-users both in academia and industry, and, crucially, to convince regulators and policymakers. Furthermore, there were important reflective discussions on the current approaches to refine and reduce animal-based research, with inspiring talks and insights about their huge potential to increase the welfare and wellbeing of laboratory animals. These included informative sessions on rehoming of laboratory animals, severity assessment, minimally aversive methodologies, training and education, and organ/tissue sharing.