3Rs Doctorate Programme 2025:

Tomorrow's 3Rs Leaders Start Here


Now welcoming Outline Applications!


Overview

The Swiss 3R Competence Centre announces its 2025 3Rs Doctorate Grant scheme, supporting innovative PhD research that advances the replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal use in scientific procedures. This competitive grant scheme follows a two-stage application process and aims to develop a new generation of researchers with strong 3Rs principles.

 

Funding Scope

  • PhD research projects advancing any aspect of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement)

  • Project duration: 2-4 years

  • Maximum funding: CHF 70,000.- per year (up to CHF 280,000.- total for 4 years)

  • Expected number of positions funded: 4-5 PhD candidates

  • Funding covers PhD salary and social contributions only; additional costs must be covered by other sources

  • Applications must be submitted by the prospective PhD candidate themselves

 

Eligibility

  • Master students/graduates, or PhD students (who enrolled in their doctoral programme after the 1st of January, 2025), are eligible to apply

  • Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education before project start

  • Enrollment in an accredited Doctoral programme is required throughout the project

  • Host institution must be a Swiss-based higher educational or not-for-profit research institution

  • Industry-academic partnerships are possible

  • Background in biology, medicine, engineering, statistics, or related disciplines

  • Projects must demonstrate clear 3Rs impact potential

 

Application Process

Stage 1: Outline Application

  • Opening Date: January 2025

  • Deadline: April 1, 2025, 17:00 CET

Applications must be submitted by the prospective PhD candidate directly through our online Grant Portal (funding.swiss3rcc.org).

The outline application includes:

  • Project summary

  • 3Rs impact statement

  • Academic and personal motivation statement

  • Preliminary budget outline

  • Letters of support (if applicable)

Selected candidates may be invited for an interview as part of the outline selection process.

 

Important Application Resources:

  • Access the online application system: funding.swiss3rcc.org

  • Download the outline application template here (link coming soon)

  • Project information on currently funded projects can be found here

First-time applicants must register for the Grant Tracker account before starting their application. We recommend registering well in advance of the deadline.

 

Stage 2: Full Application

  • Opening Date: July 2025

  • Deadline: October 1, 2025, 17:00 CET

  • Requirements: (Only for successful outline applications)

    • Detailed research proposal

    • Full methodological approach

    • Comprehensive budget

    • Implementation strategy

    • Risk assessment

    • Detailed timeline

 

Assessment Criteria

Outline Stage

  1. Scientific Quality

    • Research excellence

    • Methodological rigor

  2. 3Rs Impact

    • Potential for implementation

    • Scale of impact

    • Addresses current challenges

  3. Candidate Profile

    • Academic background

    • Personal motivation

    • Research potential

 

Full Application Stage

Additional detailed criteria will be provided to successful outline applicants.

 

Key Dates

  • Outline Application Window: January - April 1, 2025

  • Outline Results Notification: June 2025

  • Full Application Window: July - October 1, 2025

  • Final Decision: December 2025

  • Project Start: February - April 2026

Application Submission

  • All applications must be submitted through funding.swiss3rcc.org

  • Registration required prior to submission

  • Technical support available at funding@swiss3rcc.org

Additional Requirements

  • Open-access publishing of results is required

  • Adherence to Open Science principles is highly encouraged

  • A detailed plan for dissemination and/or implementation is required

 

Contact Information

For general queries about the Swiss 3RCC and its various funding schemes contact us at info@swiss3rcc.org

Notes for Applicants

  1. Early registration in the submission system is strongly recommended

  2. All deadlines are strictly enforced

  3. Incomplete applications will not be considered

  4. Questions should be submitted at least 5 working days before deadlines

  5. All communication should be through the lead applicant address