The Swiss 3RCC funds research and initiatives that accelerate the implementation of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) in Switzerland. Our funding schemes are designed not only to support scientific excellence, but to ensure that new approaches move beyond proof-of-concept and are taken up in practice across the research system.
Public investment in the 3Rs plays a critical role in enabling change. While many alternative methods exist, their development, validation and adoption often face structural barriers. For example, limited incentives, initial costs of development and the need for specialised expertise. Swiss 3RCC funding addresses these gaps by supporting innovation, knowledge transfer and the conditions needed for replacement and refinement approaches to become routine.
Across all schemes, our funding focuses on three overarching goals:
- Innovation – supporting the development of new tools and approaches that advance the 3Rs
- Replacement – accelerating the transition away from animal use wherever scientifically possible
- Implementation – enabling methods that already work to be adopted more widely in laboratories, institutions and training environments
Together, these goals help ensure that progress in the 3Rs translates into tangible improvements for science, animal welfare and society.
FUNDING SCHEMES
3Rs Project Grants
3Rs Doctorate Programme
3Rs Project Grants support innovative research projects that advance the 3Rs. These grants fund the development and validation of new approaches, technologies and methodologies across all areas of 3Rs research.
The scheme is open to projects at different stages of development, provided they demonstrate clear potential for impact on the 3Rs. By supporting diverse, investigator-driven ideas, Project Grants contribute to a strong pipeline of new solutions that can shape future research practices.
The 3Rs Doctorate Programme invests in the next generation of researchers by supporting PhD projects grounded in strong 3Rs principles. The programme aims to embed the 3Rs early in scientific careers and to foster researchers who are equipped to integrate ethical responsibility with scientific excellence.
Knowledge Transfer Grant
3Rs Support Grant
One of the major challenges in advancing the 3Rs is not the lack of effective approaches, but the difficulty of transferring expertise between institutions. The Knowledge Transfer Grant addresses this gap by supporting short-term exchanges that enable researchers and technical staff to learn and implement established 3Rs approaches developed elsewhere.
This scheme focuses on the crucial step between successful development and wider adoption. By supporting hands-on training and direct collaboration, the Knowledge Transfer Grant helps reduce duplication and accelerate the uptake of effective 3Rs methods across Switzerland.
The 3Rs Support Grant focuses specifically on Refinement and the practical improvement of animal care. Rather than funding the development of entirely new techniques, this scheme supports the implementation, optimisation and dissemination of established refinement approaches.
Funded activities may include staff training, optimisation of procedures, acquisition and use of refinement-related equipment and the organisation of workshops or other initiatives that promote best practice. By strengthening refinement in everyday research settings, the Support Grant helps ensure that animal welfare improvements are realised consistently and sustainably.
FUNDING SCHEMES
3Rs Project Grants
3Rs Project Grants support innovative research projects that advance the 3Rs. These grants fund the development and validation of new approaches, technologies and methodologies across all areas of 3Rs research.
The scheme is open to projects at different stages of development, provided they demonstrate clear potential for impact on the 3Rs. By supporting diverse, investigator-driven ideas, Project Grants contribute to a strong pipeline of new solutions that can shape future research practices.
3Rs Doctorate Programme
The 3Rs Doctorate Programme invests in the next generation of researchers by supporting PhD projects grounded in strong 3Rs principles. The programme aims to embed the 3Rs early in scientific careers and to foster researchers who are equipped to integrate ethical responsibility with scientific excellence.
Knowledge Transfer Grant
One of the major challenges in advancing the 3Rs is not the lack of effective approaches, but the difficulty of transferring expertise between institutions. The Knowledge Transfer Grant addresses this gap by supporting short-term exchanges that enable researchers and technical staff to learn and implement established 3Rs approaches developed elsewhere.
This scheme focuses on the crucial step between successful development and wider adoption. By supporting hands-on training and direct collaboration, the Knowledge Transfer Grant helps reduce duplication and accelerate the uptake of effective 3Rs methods across Switzerland.
3Rs Support Grant
The 3Rs Support Grant focuses specifically on Refinement and the practical improvement of animal care. Rather than funding the development of entirely new techniques, this scheme supports the implementation, optimisation and dissemination of established refinement approaches.
Funded activities may include staff training, optimisation of procedures, acquisition and use of refinement-related equipment and the organisation of workshops or other initiatives that promote best practice. By strengthening refinement in everyday research settings, the Support Grant helps ensure that animal welfare improvements are realised consistently and sustainably.
Our funding in numbers
Research Funding Scheme 2025-2028
How we plan to use our funding 2025-2028
Previous funding calls
Refinement Grants
Advancing responsibility: Reducing Surplus Animals and Promoting Change
Targeted Call 2023
Advancing responsibility: Reducing Surplus Animals and Promoting Change