ICAR3R Portrait
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History
The Gießen 3R Center at the Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, ICAR3R (Interdisciplinary Center for 3Rs in Animal Research), was established in 2017 as part of the initiative to strengthen science in Hesse and the launch of the Mittelhessen Research Campus. Initially funded by the state of Hesse, the 3R Center was primarily supported by the participating disciplines of veterinary medicine and medicine and was solidified through the creation of two 3R professorships. Prof. Dr. Stephanie Krämer holds the Chair of Laboratory Animal Science and Animal Welfare (focus on refinement) in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Prof. Dr. Peter Jedlicka holds the Chair of Computer-Based Modeling in 3R Animal Protection (focus on replacement), which is part of Faculty 11 – Medicine. In 2022, the core competencies of the 3R department were expanded to include the area of animal welfare. Existing collaborations were leveraged to take a holistic view of the human-animal relationship. This allows for the scientific examination of human-animal relationships in the context of animal protection, animal welfare, and animal rights, integrating new (inter-)disciplinary perspectives. From now on, the center will operate as the Interdisciplinary Center for Animal Welfare Research and 3R – ICAR3R. |
How to find us |
Goals
1. Awareness-raising
2. Collaboration
The participating disciplines form temporary expert commissions that conduct application-oriented research, both within their respective fields and in the context of inter- and transdisciplinary dialogue, all aligned with the principles of animal welfare and the 3Rs.
This approach not only creates a unique research infrastructure but also offers advisory services that serve as a reliable resource for policymakers, social organizations, and stakeholders, especially when dealing with publicly debated issues.
In addition to research, the sections jointly offer public lectures, workshops, scientific training sessions, and symposiums.
3. Transform
ICAR3R aims to sustainably advance developments in 3R research and animal welfare.
In recent years, the human-animal relationship has been significantly transformed, resulting in a shift in societal perception and evaluation of the use of laboratory animals. Beyond purely ethical aspects, such as the focus on animal suffering, legal issues related to animal rights are also addressed. Some scientists who use animal models are increasingly recognizing limitations in the use of these models. The 3R principle can play a crucial role in this discourse. It is both scientific and political, respects the animal’s right to integrity, and promotes the development of innovative technologies that surpass animal models. Additionally, it reflects upon the issues from various ethical perspectives and provides a foundation for a respectful dialogue. It becomes evident that the 3R principle can only succeed if as many different disciplines as possible are involved in the discussion. It is not enough for experts from a single discipline (e.g., veterinarians on minimizing stress, bioinformaticians on in-silico models, or pharmacologists/toxicologists on alternative methods) to exchange ideas, as these purely disciplinary approaches are not sufficient to distribute the findings effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
Animal welfare and 3R research can be understood as a field of study that not only deals with biomedical facts but also engages with societal and political issues. An interdisciplinary approach involves the joint development and examination of hypotheses and technologies, leading to the exchange of concepts and data. The main goal of interdisciplinary research can be seen as the expansion and integration of knowledge, with the central success criterion being the diffusion of the results from problem-oriented research.
The scientific focus of the center in the area of animal welfare is on refinement and replacement to jointly develop strategies to reduce the number of laboratory animals through an interdisciplinary approach. Another important pillar of the center is animal welfare and 3R education. The existing university infrastructure offers excellent opportunities to work closely with other departments to develop new didactic concepts, thereby sustainably implementing aspects of animal welfare and the 3Rs. The results of the center’s work and its close connections with other national and European (3R) centers form the foundation for the necessary scientific exchange and the communication of effective animal welfare and 3R concepts.
Given the diverse actors involved in this context, who cover all associated professions and academic degrees in terms of their respective professionalization, different didactic concepts are required.
Cooperations and Networks
Member of Expert Working Groups
- European Commission Expert Working Group (EWG) on Genetically Altered Animals (GAA) in the context of Directive 2010/63/EU
- Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Association (FELASA), Severity Working Group
- Member of Expert Pool of German National Committee for the Protection of Laboratory Animals
Networks
European Network of 3R Centers and Societies
The goal of the network is to bring together European 3R centers and societies to exchange best practices, enhance communication, support information exchange, and establish a foundation for joint initiatives.
Network for Veterinary Medical Ethics (NTE)
The network brings together researchers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Its aim is to develop the field of veterinary medical ethics and to integrate it sustainably into university education.
International Culture of Care Network
The network promotes a mindset and behavior that continuously and proactively work to advance laboratory animal welfare and the 3Rs, moving beyond a culture of compliance to establish a culture of challenge. The main outcome of the network is to share and publish examples of activities that foster a Culture of Care, making a difference in terms of improved animal welfare.
Human-Animal-Studies
The “Human-Animal Studies” section is affiliated with the Gießen Graduate Center for Social, Economic, and Legal Studies. It provides a meeting point and a platform for researchers focused on the field of Human-Animal Studies.