Algorithmic Breeding Planning
Breeding genetically modified mice for research often produces large numbers of surplus animals - those whose genotypes are unsuitable for either experiments or further breeding. When crossing heterozygous animals to produce specific genotypes, Mendelian inheritance means that a significant proportion of offspring will not carry the desired genetic combination. For complex breeding schemes involving multiple genetic modifications, this problem multiplies substantially.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/bugnon_philippe.jpeg, Dr Philippe Bugnon,
University of Zurich
Co-Investigators:
Prof Achim Tresch | University Hospital Cologne
Prof Dr Frank Brand | Berlin School of Economics and Law
Algorithmic Breeding Planning
An in vitro metastatic niche model of brain metastasis
The home lab (Rubin Lab, DBMR; University of Bern) focuses on in vitro models to investigate lineage plasticity and metastasis and has most recently developed a novel organoid-based model to examine tumour-host interactions and the metastatic niche utilising spatially resolved cerebral organoids.
, Dr Alison Ferguson,
University of Bern
,An in vitro metastatic niche model of brain metastasis
Generation of vascularized liver spheroid on-chip model for in-vitro infectious disease studies
Our lab develops organs-on-chip (OOC) models, focusing on the lungs, liver and gut. We are creating vascularized tissues-on-chip (patent filed) that better mimic the tissue microenvironment, enabling interaction studies between the vascular systems and their surroundings.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/negar-vadhani.jpg, Ms. Negar Vahdani,
ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research
University of Bern
Generation of vascularized liver spheroid on-chip model for in-vitro infectious disease studies
Development, validation, and establishment of intestinal organoids to study host-parasite interactions in veterinary medicine
At my home lab I developed an air-liquid-interface in-vitro model of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) respiratory tract to study host-parasite interactions in canids. This model is crucial for understanding the pathogenesis and immune responses in canid lungworm infections and can be extended to study further infectious pathogens, given that foxes are reservoirs for many infective agents. Our model is used for studies on the tissue-specific response to lungworm infections using transcriptomic and proteomic approaches.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/andreas-oehm.jpg, Dr Andreas Oehm,
Institute of Parasitology
University of Zurich
Development, validation, and establishment of intestinal organoids to study host-parasite interactions in veterinary medicine
Moving towards Personalized Medicine: Precision Cut Skin Slices to Model Gene-Responsive Signatures for Novel and Existing Therapies for Systemic Sclerosis Patients
The Centre of Experimental Rheumatology specializes in the investigation of rheumatic and skeletal disorders, including systemic sclerosis (SSc). SSc is a paradigm fibrotic disease characterized by multi-organ fibrosis, including the skin. Currently, tools to investigate SSc pathogenesis include traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture and animal models, both of which are established at our institute.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/astrid-hofman.jpeg, Ms Astrid Hofman,
Department of Rheumatology
University Hospital Zurich
Moving towards Personalized Medicine: Precision Cut Skin Slices to Model Gene-Responsive Signatures for Novel and Existing Therapies for Systemic Sclerosis Patients
An automated system for the assessment of pain and wellbeing in laboratory mice
Monitoring the well-being of mice in research labs is often overlooked, and current methods rely on subjective observations, leading to potential biases and variations between different observers. Recent advancements in machine vision and learning tools offer a solution by automating and standardizing these measures. This project aims to create an all-in-one automated platform (both hardware and software) for monitoring animal welfare.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/johannes-bohacek.jpeg, Prof. Dr. Johannes Bohacek,
ETH Zürich
Co-Investigators:
Dr Oliver Sturman
Prof Thomas Nevian
Mr Niek Andresen
Dr Katharina Hohlbaum
Prof Lars Lewejohann
Dr Ruslan Rust
, https://hest.ethz.ch/en/research/professorships/person-detail.MTY2MTIx.TGlzdC85MiwtNzMwNjY5NDYy.htmlAn automated system for the assessment of pain and wellbeing in laboratory mice
Evaluation of environmental enrichments for mice
High-quality environmental enrichment ameliorates the quality of life of laboratory mice. Commercially validated enrichment should still be evaluated in house.
, Mr Davide Manfredini,
Institute for Research in Biomedicine
Università della Svizzera italiana
Evaluation of environmental enrichments for mice
Providing immunocompetence to human microtissue bladder models
At my home lab, we established several human bladder microtissue models to understand host-uropathogen interactions in patient-like scenarios, to be tested for novel urinary tract infections (UTI) therapeutics. However, they still lack the immune cell component, which is a crucial need for the field and a main expertise of the group of Dr. Molly Ingersoll (host).
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/screenshot-2025-07-14-at-11.04.03.png, Dr Carlos Flores,
Biozentrum,
University of Basel
Providing immunocompetence to human microtissue bladder models
Implementation of the liver fibrosis AOP in a novel liver chip
Our research group aims to implement various biological questions and models in microphysiological systems (MPS). We have established an iPSC-derived blood-brain barrier on a Mimetas chip (Burgio et al., 2023) and an in vitro kidney model on the Vitrofluid platform (Specioso et al., 2022).
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/saskia-schmidt.jpeg, Ms. Saskia Schmidt,
Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW
Hochschule für Life Sciences
Institut für Chemie und Bioanalytik
Implementation of the liver fibrosis AOP in a novel liver chip
Optimizing Transgenic Animal Derivation Utilizing Sterile Hosts and a Sex-Specific Genetic Reporter
Transgenic animals represent a powerful tool in Biology that enables the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms, the modeling of diseases, and assessing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Among all mammalian species, the mouse stands out as a highly utilized model organism in research1.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ori-bar-nur.jpeg, Prof. Dr. Ori Bar-Nur,
ETH Zurich
, https://hest.ethz.ch/en/department/people/professors/persdetail.MjQ0Nzky.TGlzdC85Miw5ODYyMzU0MDI=.htmlOptimizing Transgenic Animal Derivation Utilizing Sterile Hosts and a Sex-Specific Genetic Reporter
How to improve the breeding success of fragile dystrophic mice – comparison of 4 breeding schemes
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal genetic disorder affecting boys. Finding a cure relies on dystrophic mice. Dystrophic mice are notoriously difficult to breed and maintain using regular trios
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/olivier-dorchies.jpg, Dr Olivier Dorchies,
Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry
University of Geneva
How to improve the breeding success of fragile dystrophic mice – comparison of 4 breeding schemes
A no-stress alternative to oral gavage in mice
The current method of oral gavage in mice using gavage needles is a source of stress for the animals, potentially misleading or invalidating the results of an experiment. There are currently minimal alternatives to this method.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/claudio-aguilar.jpeg, Dr Claudio Aguilar,
Institute of Virology
University of Zurich
A no-stress alternative to oral gavage in mice
Refining rodent i.v. injection training by creating, improving and disseminating realistic training models
Performing i.v. injections in rodents is a commonly needed task in research but challenging to learn in the beginning
3D-printed mouse tail models can be used to facilitate the learning process and reduce the number of practice
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/felix-gantenbein-1-scaled.jpg, Mr Felix Gantenbein,
Zurich integrative Rodent Physiology
University of Zurich
Refining rodent i.v. injection training by creating, improving and disseminating realistic training models
Standardising human organoid-based drug permeability assays
With the Modernization Act 2.0 signed in early 2023, the FDA paves the way for more new drug applications without animal testing. This decision puts researcher and drug developers back into the drivers seat to quickly bring non-animal-based pre-clinical studies to a level of trust, validation and broad acceptance by the public and regulatory authorities.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/johannes-mosbacher.jpg, Professor Johannes Mosbacher,
Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz
, https://www.fhnw.ch/de/personen/johannes-mosbacherStandardising human organoid-based drug permeability assays
Multidimensional models for in vitro screening of endocrine disrupting agents
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances, both natural and human-made, present in everyday items like plastics, detergents, food, and cosmetics. These chemicals can adversely affect the health and development of both animals and humans. EDCs have been associated with disruptions in the endocrine system, contributing to conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, early puberty, infertility, and various cancers.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/constanze-hantel.jpg, Dr Constanze Hantel,
University Hospital Zurich
Co-Investigators:
Dr Edira Luca
, https://www.usz.ch/team/constanze-hantel/Multidimensional models for in vitro screening of endocrine disrupting agents
Refining estrous cycle through non-invasive collection procedures and deep learning classification
Recognizing the rodent estrous cycle as a crucial welfare indicator faces challenges due to a historical bias toward male animals in the scientific community.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ivana-jaric-scaled.jpg, Dr Ivana Jaric,
Animal Welfare Division
University of Bern
Refining estrous cycle through non-invasive collection procedures and deep learning classification
Alone - together? - single housing of male mice
provide a strategy (cage connectors) to reduce the SD for single housed males from SD 3 to 1 by allowing visual, olfactory and acoustic contact between two IVCs
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/petra-seebeck.jpg, Dr Petra Seebeck,
Zurich integrative Rodent Physiology
University of Zurich
Alone – together? – single housing of male mice
Refinement of anesthesia in neonatal mice
The choice of anesthesia for neonatal mice lacks a consensus and directly impacts animal welfare and research outcomes. The methods used until now to assess animal welfare do not provide a complete understanding of potential pain or discomfort experienced during anesthesia.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/charlotte-calvet-scaled.png, Dr Charlotte Calvet,
Zurich integrative Rodent Physiology (ZIRP)
University of Zurich
Refinement of anesthesia in neonatal mice
Scoresheet for Fish
With the refinement grant, we intend to develop, evaluate, implement, and publish score sheets for individuals and groups of fish. With the support of all fish labs of the University of Bern, the Experimental Animal Center (EAC) of the University of Bern, and the Institute for Laboratory Animal Science Zurich, we will (1) collect existing scoresheets from fish labs, but also from other experimental animal groups, (2) evaluate the scientific and grey literature on fish welfare assessment, and (3) retrieve information from fish facilities through visits and interviews on scorable indicators for fish welfare.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/irene-adrian-kalchhauser.jpg, Professor Irene Adrian-Kalchhauser,
Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health
Vetsuisse Faculty Bern
University of Bern
Scoresheet for Fish
Minimizing the number of rodents used in the discovery of bacteriophage derived antimicrobials through candidate screening in zebrafish embryos
Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health threat. A growing number of bacteria, such as multiple drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecalis, cause life-threatening disease in humans, which cannot be treated efficiently. Bacteriophages, which are viruses infecting bacteria, and proteins derived from bacteriophages show promise as alternatives to antibiotics, demonstrating efficacy against antibiotic-resistant strains. Developing new antimicrobials typically involves testing in animal models, commonly mice.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/steffi-lehmann.gif, Professor Steffi Lehmann,
Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Co-Investigators:
Prof Lars Fieseler
Dr Linda Tschirren
Dr Steven Hagens
Dr Samuel Kilcher
Dr Patrick Hauswirth
Prof Jörg Huwyler
, https://www.zhaw.ch/de/ueber-uns/person/lehtMinimizing the number of rodents used in the discovery of bacteriophage derived antimicrobials through candidate screening in zebrafish embryos
A unique technology producing standardized lung cancer organoids in air/liquid interface conditions: a new alternative to animal experimentation
Lung cancer ranks among the most widespread cancers globally and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Switzerland, with Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) representing approximately 85% of cases. Researchers commonly rely on animal experiments to study NSCLC. Lung Cancer Organoids (LCO) derived from human biopsies offer a promising alternative to animal testing for research, personalized medicine, and drug screening.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/olivier-preynat-seauve.jpg, Dr Olivier Preynat-Seauve,
University of Geneva
Co-Investigators:
Dr. Sanae El Harane, University of Geneva
Dr. Vèronique Serre Beinier, University of Geneva
, https://www.unige.ch/medecine/demed/recherche/561villard-ferrari-lacraz/membres/olivier-preynat-seauveA unique technology producing standardized lung cancer organoids in air/liquid interface conditions: a new alternative to animal experimentation
Personal behavior profiles - tracking dogs for welfare monitoring
We optimize our kennels for videorecording so that we are capable of applying the latest in deep/machine learning based animal tracking/welfare monitoring techniques. We use behaviour flow analysis to build individual behaviour profiles for each of the dogs at baseline and monitor how they change in response to training and treatment
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/henning-richter-scaled.jpg, Dr Henning Richter,
Diagnostic Imaging Research Unit
University of Zurich
Personal behavior profiles – tracking dogs for welfare monitoring
Application of non-surgical embryo transfer for the generation of transgenic models
Proposal for a more humane procedure for generating transgenic mouse and rat models. Current method involves invasive surgery, anesthesia, and potential post-operative pain. Suggests implementing non-surgical embryo transfer (NSET) for mice and rats, similar to human procedures
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ori-bar-nur.jpeg, Prof. Dr. Ori Bar-Nur,
Department of Health Sciences and Technology
Head of Institute of Human Movement Science and Sport
ETH Zurich
Application of non-surgical embryo transfer for the generation of transgenic models
Implementation of a novel human ex-vivo skin culture technique to study the mechanism of action of therapeutics for inflammatory skin disease replacing animal testing
BACKGROUND Our group is developing ex-vivo models of human skin to investigate the mechanism of action of therapeutics and evaluate their potential for the treatment of inflammatory skin disease. Using a standard ex-vivo culture approach, we have obtained proof-of-principle data that this approach can predict therapeutic effects on disease-causing cell populations such as T cells […]
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/nicole-bertschi.jpg, Dr Nicole Bertschi,
University Hospital of Bern
, https://www.dbmr.unibe.ch/about_us/staff/personenpool_index/dr_phil_nat_bertschi_nicole_leonie/index_eng.htmlImplementation of a novel human ex-vivo skin culture technique to study the mechanism of action of therapeutics for inflammatory skin disease replacing animal testing
Ex-utero culture of mouse embryos
Our main aim is to expand the knowledge about mammalian brain development under physiological and teratogenic conditions. We consider that understanding how the balance between different kinds of progenitors is affected by teratogenic agents is of critical scientific interest. This knowledge will allow us to better interpret previous knowledge on the patterning of the brain and provide an example of the organizing principles of the dorsoventral axis at the cellular level.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/camacho.jpeg, Dr Antonio Herrera Camacho,
EPFL
, https://people.epfl.ch/antonio.herrera/?lang=enEx-utero culture of mouse embryos
Refined automated assessment of anhedonia, motivation and attention in mice
The behavioral assessment of anhedonia, motivation and attention represents a cornerstone of behavioral neuroscience, but is stressful and tedious for both, the involved animals and researchers. We will develop and promote protocols for assessing these behavioral paradigms fully automated in IntelliCage system. Thereby mice can voluntarily perform test sessions, while acting naturally in an undisturbed environment that also includes their normal social habitat.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ulrike-weber-stadlbauer.jpg, Dr Ulrike Weber-Stadbauer,
University of Zürich
,Refined automated assessment of anhedonia, motivation and attention in mice
Need and efficacy of pre-operative fasting in Sheep
Pre-operative fasting is a common procedure in veterinary medicine. It intends to reduce the filling of the stomach to avoid anesthetic complications. Sheep have a complex digestive system, recommendations of pre-operative fasting in this species are not evidence based. The practice can cause metabolic imbalances, complicating anesthesia
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/miriam-weisskopf.jpg, Dr Miriam Weisskopf,
University Hospital Zurich
, https://www.chir.uzh.ch/en/anesthesia/labanesthesia/Weisskopf.htmlNeed and efficacy of pre-operative fasting in Sheep
Modelling acquired drug resistance by high content imaging and multivariate analysis of patient-derived organoids
BACKGROUND Functional assessment of PNET biology has been hindered by the paucity of relevant human models. Only a handful of authentic human PNET cell lines are currently available, and studies relying on genetic and xenograft mouse models are time and cost intensive and not amenable to automation and high-throughput settings. An organoid is a three-dimensional […]
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/martin-sadowski-1.jpg, Dr Martin Sadowski,
University of Bern
, https://www.igmp.unibe.ch/ueber_uns/personen/sadowski_martin/index_ger.htmlModelling acquired drug resistance by high content imaging and multivariate analysis of patient-derived organoids
iPSC-derived macrophages for a Lung-on-chip (LOC) model of bacterial colonisation
Current Lung on-chip (LOC) models are promising but lack resident immune cells especially macrophages. Our main project of Lung-Microbiota on-chip (LMOC) aims to (i) reduce animal experiments (short-term) and (ii) completely replace murine models of lung bacterial colonisation (long-term). The iPSC Macrophages will form an important component in this 3D human cell model.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/screenshot-2025-07-10-at-14.32.50.png, Dr Sudip Das,
University Hospital of Bern
, https://engelbeelab.com/team/DasiPSC-derived macrophages for a Lung-on-chip (LOC) model of bacterial colonisation
Intraoperative nociception in animals: time to address and manage the issue efficaciously
During general anaesthesia, the brain does not perceive pain, but the spinal cord could still encode and elaborate the stimulus (nociception). Not recognising nociception is detrimental during general anaesthesia and can play a pivotal role in the development of post-operative and chronic pain. We propose the use of an objective method i.e. tracking of the nociceptive withdrawal thresholds as mean to evaluate nociception in animals undergoing general anaesthesia.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/daniela-casoni-1-scaled.jpg, Dr Daniela Casoni,
University of Bern
, https://www.anaesthesie.dkv.unibe.ch/ueber_uns/personen/dr_med_vet_casoni_daniela/index_ger.htmlIntraoperative nociception in animals: time to address and manage the issue efficaciously
Human engineered heart models to investigate mechanisms of cardiac maturation
Since 2014, Marsano group has developed several functional healthy and disease (hibernate myocardium-like or scar-like) engineered 3D micro- and macro-scale cardiac tissues. Although neonatal cardiac cells were predominantly used to obtain proof-of-principles, the harness of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM) is fundamental to investigate clinically relevant cardiac damage and repair mechanisms. My PhD projects would also immensely benefit the use of human iPSC-CM.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/antonio-sileo.jpg, Mr Antonio Sileo,
University of Basel
, https://biomedizin.unibas.ch/en/persons/sileo-antonio/Human engineered heart models to investigate mechanisms of cardiac maturation
Molecular and Cellular characterization of developing Fragile X Synapses in human assembloids
Fragile X syndrome is a condition that affects the development of the nervous system. It is a leading cause of autism, a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition that is currently untreatable. Fragile X animal models display deficits at the level of neuronal connections called synapses. In addition, other cell types are affected including astrocytes. Astrocytes are glial cells important for proper neuronal connectivity and function.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/barbora-vidimova.jpg, Miss Barbora Vidimova,
University of Lausanne
, https://dnf-unil.ch/group/cellular-and-molecular-studies-of-synaptic-plasticity-and-cancer-in-intellectual-disabilities/member/bagni-barbora-vidimovaMolecular and Cellular characterization of developing Fragile X Synapses in human assembloids
Establishment and validation of a human in vitro model to investigate uptake transport at the Blood-Brain Barrier
The Blood-Brain Barrier is a structure between the central nervous system (CNS) and the bloodstream, whose main role is to protect the CNS from toxic compounds while allowing the passage of nutrients. Importantly, due to the activity of drug efflux transporters the Blood-Brain Barrier is seen as an obstacle for brain targeting drugs. This mechanistic understanding mostly relies on data from rodents, as it is difficult to measure and collect data on drug accumulation in the brain in humans.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/valerio-taggi.jpg, Mr Valerio Taggi,
Universität Basel
, https://pharma.unibas.ch/de/personen/valerio-taggi/Establishment and validation of a human in vitro model to investigate uptake transport at the Blood-Brain Barrier
Artificial intelligence-mediated drug synergy prediction and validation in patient-derived ex vivo tumor organoid models
In precision oncology, single drug treatment often leads to acquired resistance and tumor relapse. Novel drugs to overcome resistance are in development. Unfortunately, there is a substantial number of animals used, costs involved and high failure rates in the development of new drugs. Drug repurposing is increasingly becoming an attractive proposition because it involves ready to use compounds. Over the past decades we learned that the combination of multiple drugs can increase drug efficacy and reduce the development of drug resistance.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/screenshot-2025-07-10-at-11.43.42.png, Ms Alicia Pliego Mendieta,
University Hospital Zürich
, https://www.phd-biomed.uzh.ch/en/organisation/biomed-current-students.htmlArtificial intelligence-mediated drug synergy prediction and validation in patient-derived ex vivo tumor organoid models
Cre-Rux – improving mouse well-being with a refined approach for in vivo genetic manipulation
Biomedical research relies on genetic manipulation of animals, particularly mice, as experimental models to mimic human diseases and study their mechanisms. A widely used system relies on the use of the enzyme Cre recombinase. A variant of this enzyme, CreERT2, needs the drug tamoxifen to be active. However, it is increasingly apparent that tamoxifen administration can be problematic. Reports show that tamoxifen administration can be toxic in mice.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/tosca-dalessi.jpg, Ms Tosca Dalessi,
University of Zürich
, https://www.mls.uzh.ch/en/research/basler/groupmembers.htmlCre-Rux – improving mouse well-being with a refined approach for in vivo genetic manipulation
Preventing the use of pregnant horses to produce PMSG by using immortalized chorionic girdle cells for the hormone production
Derived from the blood of pregnant horses, "pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG)", is a hormone frequently used in farming and the breeding of mice and rats with specific genetic mutations. It is used in starting and synchronising the ovulation cyclies of of pigs, cattle and goats. In mice, the hormone is used to cause the release of an exceptional amount of egg cells at one time. It is currently isolated exclusively from live pregnant horses, and it has been reported that from these pregnant “production” mares up to 10 litres of blood are taken weekly until around 4 months of pregnancy.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/thorsten-buch.jpg, Professor Thorsten Buch,
University of Zurich
Collaborators:
Dr Martina Loesle, University of Zurich
Professor Ulrich Bleul, University of Zurich
, https://www.ltk.uzh.ch/en/research0/Group-Buch.htmlPreventing the use of pregnant horses to produce PMSG by using immortalized chorionic girdle cells for the hormone production
3D-printed mouse tail models for intravenous injection training
To perform i.v. injections on mice reliably, extensive training is required. This is usually performed on live animals.
For the first steps of training (handling of syringes and the tail), our 3D-printed mouse tail models can be useful placeholders instead of using live animals. Conception, prototyping and first testing of 3D-printed mouse tail models is already accomplished. Tail models should be manufactured in larger quantities and distributed among researchers / trainers. Detailed user experience data should be collected to optimize the tail models and confirm their usefulness. Publishing this data should increase acceptance and use of the tail models.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/felix-gantenbein-scaled.jpg, Dr Felix Gantenbein,
University of Zürich
, https://www.zirp.uzh.ch/en/aboutus/contact/gantenbein.html3D-printed mouse tail models for intravenous injection training
Automation, Optimisation and Dissemination of the Mouse Grimace Scale
We will develop, refine, and optimize a new setup that will enable labs all over the world to use the mouse grimace scale to accurately, easily and reliably assess pain in rodents. We will apply cutting-edge machine vision/learning technology to ensure the data collected is of the highest quality. We will collaborate with other labs to directly test the ease of use and transferability of the new setup and aim to increase the reliability and reproducibility of animal welfare monitoring in rodents worldwide
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/oliver-sturman.jpg, Dr Oliver Sturman,
ETH Zürich
, https://hest.ethz.ch/das-departement/personen0/personen-a-z/personen-detail.MjM0MTc2.TGlzdC8zMzQsLTQ1MTk1NTQ5OA==.htmlAutomation, Optimisation and Dissemination of the Mouse Grimace Scale
Best practice guidance for including sex as a biological variable in animal research
In animal research, a strong bias towards using male animals is apparent in most disciplines. By using animals of only one sex, researchers risk missing important sex differences and using animals for inconclusive findings. In response to such overt sex bias, major funders now request inclusion of sex as a biological variable in all animal experiments. However, this poses challenges to the 3Rs: experiments may require up to twice as many animals and researchers face difficult logistical decisions with important implications for both animal welfare and scientific validity.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/hanno-wurbel.jpg, Professor Hanno Würbel,
University of Bern
Dr Ivana Jaric
University of Bern
Best practice guidance for including sex as a biological variable in animal research
Experimental toolkit to evaluate cell-based therapies in the mouse brain
For every 100 prospective therapies in clinical development, approximately 90 are never approved for clinical use. This unsatisfactory rate is especially high in the field of neurosciences, revealing the complex biology of the human brain and the necessity for improved preclinical validation of experimental treatments. Recent advances in stem cell biology and genetic engineering have caused cell therapies to become an emerging treatment paradigm for patients with permanent neurologic deficits (e.g. after a stroke).
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ruslan-rust.jpg, Dr Ruslan Rust,
University of Zurich
Prof. Johannes Bohacek
ETH Zurich
Prof. Csaba Földy
University of Zurich
Dr Christian Tackenberg
University of Zurich
Experimental toolkit to evaluate cell-based therapies in the mouse brain
Refining intracerebral administration of drugs with sonoporation-activated microbubbles
Delivering drugs into the brain is a challenge, because the blood–brain barrier blocks most therapeutic molecules from entering. Microbubble‑focused ultrasound is a promising alternative, which this project aims to refine using a mouse model of schizophrenia‑related neurodevelopmental disorder.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/anthony-laugeray.jpg, Dr Anthony Laugeray,
University of Lausanne
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Paola Bezzi | University of Lausanne
Asst. Prof. Anthony Delalande | University of Orléan, France
, https://dnf-unil.ch/group/astrocytes-and-postnatal-maturation-of-brain-circuits/member/bezzi-anthony-laugerayRefining intracerebral administration of drugs with sonoporation-activated microbubbles
Identifying new regulators of cell invasion in colorectal cancer using the Drosophila adult intestine
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a cancer of the colon and the rectum. It is the third most prevalent cancer worldwide and is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths. If the cancer is localized, the five-year survival rate is 90%; if the cancer has spread – metastasized – the five-year survival rate drops to 14%. Consequently, it is crucial to understand how CRC cells adopt a metastatic fate.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/jamie-little.jpg, Dr Jamie Little,
, https://www.mls.uzh.ch/en/research/basler/groupmembers.html
University of Zurich
Prof. Konrad Basler
University of Zurich
Dr Erich Brunner
University of Zurich
Dr Hassan Fazilaty
University of Zurich
Identifying new regulators of cell invasion in colorectal cancer using the Drosophila adult intestine
Reducing the need for lethal health monitoring in trout
Proliferative Kidney Disease (PKD) is a serious parasitic disease affecting brown trout. This project aims to establish a sensitive and reliable DNA‑based method for detecting the PKD parasite in Swiss rivers, with the ultimate goal of replacing lethal monitoring with a more humane approach.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/heike-schmidt-posthaus.jpg, Dr Heike Schmidt-Posthaus,
University of Bern
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Irene Adrian-Kalchhauser | University of Bern
, https://www.fiwi.vetsuisse.unibe.ch/ueber_uns/personeninfos___invisible/prof_dr_med_vet_schmidt_posthaus_heike/index_ger.html
Reducing the need for lethal health monitoring in trout
Engineering a novel cell-based model for assessing materno-fetal drug transfer during pregnancy
The human placenta is a vital organ that acts as a barrier between the circulation of the mother and the growing fetus. It represents the interface between specialized placental cells called trophoblasts and fetal endothelial cells of the micro-vessels. Together these two tightly polarized cell layers perform crucial functions such as nutrient transport to the fetus or production of hormones.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/christiane-albrecht.jpg, Prof. Dr. Christiane Albrecht,
, https://www.ibmm.unibe.ch/about_us/personen/group_albrecht/prof_dr_albrecht_christiane/index_eng.html
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern
Prof. František Štaud
Pharmaceutical Faculty, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
Dr. Chennakesava Cuddapah
Curio Biotech SA, Visp, Switzerland
Engineering a novel cell-based model for assessing materno-fetal drug transfer during pregnancy
Development of a platform for GU cancer patient-derived organoids
Understanding why some cancers resist treatment is a major challenge in oncology. This project develops a standardised platform to generate high‑quality organoids from genitourinary (GU) cancer patients, reducing animal use and supporting a more personalised approach.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/marianna-kruithof-de-julio.jpeg, Prof. Marianna Kruithof-de Julio,
University of Bern
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Mark Rubin | University of Bern
, https://www.bcpm.unibe.ch/about_us/people/prof_dr_phil_kruithof_de_julio_marianna/Development of a platform for GU cancer patient-derived organoids
IPF-on-Chip: Replacing the bleomycin induced lung injury and fibrosis model with lung-on-chip technology
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe, progressive lung disease with few treatment options. The standard rodent model poorly predicts human outcomes and causes significant distress. This project develops a physiologically relevant lung‑on‑chip platform to test anti‑fibrotic drugs.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/olivier-guenat.jpg, Prof. Olivier Guenat,
University of Bern
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Thomas Geiser | Bern University Hospital
, https://www.artorg.unibe.ch/research/ooc/group_members/persons/prof_dr_guenat_olivier_t/index_eng.htmlIPF-on-Chip: Replacing the bleomycin induced lung injury and fibrosis model with lung-on-chip technology
BEHAVE: A toolkit for deep-behavior profiling of laboratory rodents
Behavioural testing is central to neuroscience research, yet current tools are outdated and lead to high animal use and poor reproducibility. This project applies modern machine‑learning approaches to streamline behavioural analysis, reduce animal use, and provide accessible tools for others.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/johannes-bohacek.jpeg, Asst. Prof. Johannes Bohacek,
ETH Zurich
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Mehmet Fatih Yanik | ETH Zurich
, https://hest.ethz.ch/en/research/professorships/person-detail.MTY2MTIx.TGlzdC85MiwtNzMwNjY5NDYy.htmlBEHAVE: A toolkit for deep-behavior profiling of laboratory rodents
Nutritional requirements of fish cell lines – development of a serum-free culture medium (L-15Plus)
Manmade chemicals have become an essential commodity in our daily lives, from personal care to medicine and agriculture. Regulators require companies to conduct safety testing because, despite their benefits, such chemicals may also pose risks to human and environmental health. Environmental risk assessments still heavily rely on tests with fish. To replace such fish tests, we are developing strategies and assay procedures based on permanent fish cell lines of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), a key species for environmental protection.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/kristin-schirmer-1.jpg, Professor Kristin Schirmer,
Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag)
, https://www.eawag.ch/en/about-us/portrait/organisation/staff/profile/kristin-schirmer/show/Nutritional requirements of fish cell lines – development of a serum-free culture medium (L-15Plus)
Rodents have a right to best surgical practice
Surgery is an integral part of many experimental animal studies. Anaesthesia and analgesia protocols are obvious targets for refinement. Good surgical practice, however, is often neglected. Performing surgery fast, minimally invasive and with optimal peri-and post-operative care helps reduce animal suffering, enables faster recovery with fewer complications and improves the reproducibility of study results.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/petra-seebeck-1.jpeg, Dr Petra Seebeck ,
Zurich Integrative Rodent Physiology (ZIRP), University of Zurich
Dr Stephan Zeiter
AO Research Institute Davos
Cooperation partners:
Judith van Luijk, Syrcle
Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga, Syrcle
Mattea Durst, UZH
Paulin Jirkof, UZH
, https://www.physiol.uzh.ch/en/Department/Facilities/AssociatedResearchCenters/PetraSeebeck.htmlRodents have a right to best surgical practice
Recombinant laminin-like proteins for organoid cultures free of animal-derived basement membrane extract
Organoids are miniature organs generated from stem cells that provide unique in vitro models of organs in health and disease, and hold promises for personalized medicine and tissue engineering. They alleviate the need for animal experiments, as they enable the study of biomedical questions directly in vitro. They have become a cornerstone of 21st century biomedical research, and they still constitute a fast-developing field. In many cases, the tissue responsible for the organ-specific function – the parenchyma – is an epithelium, supported by a specialized matrix called a basement membrane.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/lutolf.jpeg, Professor Matthias Lütolf,
Principal Investigator
EPFL
Co-applicants:
Nicolas Broguière, EPFL
Gerald Schwank, ETHZ
, https://people.epfl.ch/matthias.lutolf?lang=enRecombinant laminin-like proteins for organoid cultures free of animal-derived basement membrane extract
Breeding management software for genetically modified rodents
Scientists often use genetically modified animals for their research, but this requires complex breeding schemes. This project is creating software that helps to design breeding schemes more efficiently, achieving the required genetic combinations while keeping surplus animals to a minimum.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/bugnon_philippe.jpeg, Dr Philippe Bugnon,
University of Zurich
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Thorsten Buch | UZH
Prof. Frank Brand | MathYou GmbH
, https://www.ltk.uzh.ch/en/contact.htmlBreeding management software for genetically modified rodents
3D heart models for cardiac surgery training
Training surgeons on live animals remains common in many countries, despite ethical concerns and the availability of emerging alternatives. This project addresses this by developing an accessible, low‑cost pipeline for producing realistic 3D heart models for surgical training.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/screenshot-2025-07-07-at-10.52.46.png, Prof. Jean-Paul Vallée,
University of Geneva & University Hospital of Geneva (HUG)
Co-Investigators:
Prof. Maurice Beghetti | HUG
Dr Tornike Sologashvili | HUG
Dr Anne-Lise Hachulla | HUG
Célia Tomassetti | HUG
Kévin Ponchant | HUG
Mélanie Frei | HUG
, https://www.unige.ch/medecine/radio/en/research-groups/541vallee3D heart models for cardiac surgery training
A CRISPR/Cas9-screening platform to decipher conserved cell fate specification networks in vivo
Understanding how different cell types form during embryonic development is vital for regenerative medicine. Instead of relying on traditional mammalian models like mice, this project uses CRISPR/Cas9 screening directly in chicken embryos, eliminating the need to sacrifice pregnant animals.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/tschopp.jpg, PROF. PATRICK TSCHOPP,
University of Basel
, https://duw.unibas.ch/de/personen/patrick-tschopp/A CRISPR/Cas9-screening platform to decipher conserved cell fate specification networks in vivo
Mice refinement: from invasive intratracheal instillation to intubation for lung fibrosis studies
We want to learn the intubation technique to refine the current intratracheal instillation surgery technique. Intubation is used in several rodent models, to study lung physiological and pathological models. Intubation has been is along-established technique extensively performed in rats.
https://swiss3rcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/jimmy-stalin.jpg, Dr. Jimmy Stalin ,
Pathology Unit, Department of Oncology,
Microbiology, and Immunology,
Faculty of Science and Medicine,
University of Fribourg
, https://www.unifr.ch/directory/en/people/226999/fc586Mice refinement: from invasive intratracheal instillation to intubation for lung fibrosis studies