SIGN IN/SIGN UP

3Rs DOCTORATE PROGRAMME


OVERVIEW

The 3Rs Doctorate Programme funds PhD projects that advance the replacement, reduction and refinement of animal use in science. Successful applicants receive funding for the whole of their doctorate, along with guidance from the 3RCC throughout the project. The programme is designed to build the next generation of researchers who bring 3Rs thinking into their work from the outset.

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

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
Published : 22.07.2025

KEY DATES

 

Applications for the 3Rs Doctorate Programme are currently closed.
 

 

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

APPLICATION SUBMISSION

 

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.

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

    • Registration required prior to submission

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

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA (Outline Stage)

 

 

Scientific Quality

    • Research excellence

    • Methodological rigour

 

 

3Rs Impact

    • Potential for implementation

    • Scale of impact

    • Addresses current challenges

 

 

Candidate Profile

    • Academic background

    • Personal motivation

    • Research potential