The aim of the 3R Foundation is to promote alternative research methods to animal experimentation through grants for research projects. The organisation supports first and foremost projects aimed at developing new methods or refining accepted methods (validation) which offer practical improvements vis-à-vis standard animal experimentation in line with the 3R motto Reduce, Refine, Replace. Research projects are selected for support according to periodically defined principal areas for financial support.
The 3R Foundation is a cooperative institution set up in 1987 by the Parliamentary Group for Animal Experimentation Questions (public organ), Interpharma (Actelion Ltd, Merck Serono Ltd, Novartis Pharma Ltd, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, and the associated members Bayer Schering Pharma Switzerland, Cilag Ltd and Vifor Ltd) and the Foundation for Animalfree Research (animal protection). The organisation is supervised by the Federal Department of Home Affairs.
The Administrative Board of the Foundation is made up of nine members, three representing the Parliamentary Group for Animal Experimentation Questions (1 seat vacant), two representing animal protection, two from Interpharma and two from the Federal Veterinary Office.
The Board has appointed an Evaluation Committee to revue proposed research projects and applications for grants. This Committee at present comprises 10 scientists from the academic and industrial sectors.
Research into experimental methods which do not involve live animals has played an important role in replacing animal experimentation by alternative methods. The Foundation also aims, however, at improving animal experimentation methods in line with increased animal protection. The research activities which have benefited from 3R's support have made a major contribution towards reducing the number of experiments involving live animals in Switzerland, as well as developing better or new methods.
Since it was founded, 3R has received around 370 applications for research grants and 114 of these projects have received some financial aid.
The funds used to support approved projects are provided in equal parts by the Federal Veterinary Office and Interpharma. An annual amount of approximately Sfr. 700,000 is available for grants.
| Total funding for approved projects | Sfr. 15 852 536.30 |
| Grants paid out so far | Sfr. 14 765 240.59 |
| Contributions from the Confederation | Sfr. 8 584 000.00 |
| Contributions from Interpharma | Sfr. 9 084 000.00 |