Cell-based technologies, ranging from conventional cell culture to more complex engineered models such as organoids and organ-on-chip systems, are becoming increasingly important for biomedical research, drug development and toxicology. By generating information before animal studies are undertaken, they contribute to the Reduction of animal use in research. Depending on the scientific context, they may even […]

Every animal experimentation licence in Switzerland starts with an expected maximum severity, set when the licence is first submitted. But how closely does that expectation match what actually happens over the life of the project? By comparing prospective and retrospective severity classifications for all 2,325 licences active in 2023, this brief examines how often, and […]

This is an extended breakdown of the activities of the Swiss 3RCC in 2025. It's intended primarily for our partners, funders and the wider research community.

Our Activity Reports are condensed overviews on our activities. They are an accessible insight into the work that goes on at the Swiss 3RCC.

In 2020 and 2024, the Swiss 3RCC and the Swiss Culture of Care Network carried out two surveys on the use of non-aversive mouse handling methods among animal care and research staff in Switzerland. The goal was to assess: READ THE COMPLETE REPORT HERE (ENGLISH) Conclusions from the surveys

This report provides a structured overview of national and international initiatives aimed at replacing and reducing the use of animals in research, testing and education. Focusing on legally binding measures and regulatory-driven actions, the report maps developments across sectors such as cosmetics testing, chemical safety and biomedical research. It highlights policy shifts led by governments, […]

As 2024 marks the close of the 3RCC’s second federal funding period, we reflect on a phase of notable progress across our core mandates.

To improve animal welfare in Switzerland, we need to understand not only how many animals and which species are used but also how they are used. By analysing 27 years of publicly available data, this report examines trends in the number of animal uses and their severity classification.

The Swiss 3Rs Competence Centre (3RCC) continues to drive progress in the implementation of the 3Rs principles through a comprehensive approach encompassing research funding, education, communication, networking, and monitoring.

This report highlights the remarkable progress made by the Centre in the past year towards its vision of driving 3Rs advancement for improved animal welfare and better science in Switzerland. It is with great honour that I take over the presidency and recognise the significant efforts made by my predecessor, Katharina Riklin, in supporting the […]

This project gathered data from semi-structured interviews to four animal facility managers with some pilot experience on tunnel handling within their facilities, and from 20 animal caretakers who have experienced tunnel handling.

2021 was an important year for the 3RCC as it was the first of a new funding period stretching to the end of 2024. Thanks to the continued commitment and support by its funders, the 3RCC can now further develop the nationally coordinated efforts to advance the 3Rs in Switzerland. The most important milestone of […]

The 3RCC surveyed the institutions to map existing courses on 3Rs or containing 3Rs information.

A Perspective from Swiss HEIs in 2018

A breakdown and analysis of expired animal experimentation licenses in Switzerland

Mice have been, and remain the most commonly used animal in scientific research in most of the world, including in Switzerland (according to both the annual statistics on animal use in Switzerland, and the Swiss 3RCC's own report on animal use in experimentation). Not counted in those statistics is the number of mice which are only included in breeding programs, or simply do not take part in a licensed animal experimentation for other reasons.

The Swiss education and research landscape is complex and multifaceted, as is the implementation of the 3Rs Principle within this community. The 3RCC gathers all major players under one umbrella and provides the platform where consensus among the different stakeholders on 3Rs matters can be sought, a prerequisite for successful implementation and progress. Therefore, the […]