The Three Rs

Abstract

The term “the three Rs” in science refers to replacement, reduction, and refinement, a set of guiding principles for more humane animal research: replacement of animals with nonsentient alternatives; reduction of the number of animals used to the minimum consistent with achieving the scientific objectives; refinement of scientific procedures and husbandry to minimize pain and distress and improve animal welfare. The three Rs were originally conceived by UFAW scholars William Russell and Rex Burch and represent a framework for minimizing animal use and suffering in science without prejudicing scientific or medical progress. Today the three Rs are increasingly recognized as principles that also support the generation of valid and robust scientific data, helping to improve quality of science and business efficiency. Opportunities exist to apply all three Rs to research using nonhuman primates, including biomedical, cognitive, and behavioral research, drug development, and safety assessment.

Applying the 3Rs to non-human primate research: Barriers and solutions

“…However, the Opinion also identifies numerous issues that are preventing widespread uptake of these 3Rs advances and further progress. Because 3Rs approaches provide a means of improving scientific quality and translation, failure to address these issues risks not only unnecessary NHP use and suffering, but also poor science and business efficiency [ 3 , 4 ]. Hence the SCHEER working group was motivated to make several recommendations for changes to the status quo.…”