Check in at registration, grab some food, and connect with your exhibitors who provide critical 3Rs support.

*Note: exhibitors will receive access to the facility at 8am for setup.

In this talk, we’ll hear from a local speaker from University of Washington about the venue we are in today including its indigenous culture and history. Indigenous respect for animals and connections to the 3Rs will also be made.

In this talk, Neil King from University of Washington will discuss artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques for developing new biologics (therapeutics and vaccines). These methods used early in biomedical research allow researchers to completely replace some animal projects, by reducing the number of candidate molecules that move into animal trials.

In this session, Helen E. Diggs, MEd, DVM, DACLAM, Senior Director for North America from AAALAC International will introduce AAALAC International’s new 3Rs Position Statement including reviewing its development, approval, and expected implementation during program review.

Visit our exhibitors to learn about how they can help you implement the 3Rs. Each exhibitor features a product or service that is dedicated to 3Rs advancement.

In this talk, Norman Peterson, DVM, PhD, DACLAM,  Director, Drug Safety Research & Development, Pfizer will discuss the strengths and limitations of complex cell systems. The types of systems that are available and their components that make them translatable will be outlined. Lastly, an example of how MPS are being applied to advance drug development and decrease animal use will be showcased.  

The integration of non-animal methods (NAMs) into regulatory and research frameworks is gaining momentum, driven by scientific advancements and a commitment to the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of animal use. The National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM) and the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) play central roles in ensuring that NAMs are rigorously evaluated, validated, and implemented across U.S. federal agencies. In this talk, Dr. Nicole Kleinstreuer, Director of NICEATM and Executive Director of ICCVAM, will provide an overview of governmental efforts to advance, evaluate,and support NAMs. She will discuss key initiatives, including interagency collaborations, international harmonization efforts, and the development of fit-for-purpose validation strategies that align with evolving scientific and regulatory needs. Additionally, she will highlight ongoing challenges and opportunities in ensuring the adoption of robust, human-relevant approaches in toxicological testing and biomedical research. A key component of these efforts is the role of organizations like the 3Rs Collaborative in fostering public-private partnerships, accelerating scientific advancements, and promoting the development and acceptance of innovative non-animal approaches. This session will provide insights into how policy, science, and collaboration intersect to drive progress in the development and acceptance of NAMs, ultimately reducing reliance on animal testing while improving human health and environmental safety.

In this panel discussion, Erin Yu & Ron Emeson, Ph.D. from Vanderbilt with Jessie Janeczek, MS, Vice President of Global Sales, Transnetyx, Inc. will discuss the implementation of MyColony” at Vanderbilt. Participants will learn about how automated genotyping and colony management software can advance the 3Rs – especially the principle of Reduction – by supporting research rigor & reproducibility, reducing wasteful overproduction, and ensuring efficient use of vivarium space. The presentation also covers the initiative’s change management plan and cost recovery model and examines the pros, cons, and potential improvements.

Grab your lunch and join a table focused on discussing and making connections as related to one of the conference talks. Speakers will be distributed throughout tables to best facilitate networking among all conference attendees.

In this talk, Brianna Gaskill, PhD, 3Rs Scientist from Novartis Biomedical Research will discuss the results of a workshop training scientists to include sex as a biological variable. This work acts as a critical case study of how to implement better experimental design methods to support the 3Rs principle of reduction.

In this session, you’ll hear from three speakers from two institutions: Sarah Thurston from Charles River Laboratories and both Shannon Ramsey & Melissa Reding from Allen Institute. This session will explore strategies for introducing refined mouse handling techniques as part of a broader culture of care and animal welfare. Attendees will learn about the benefits of refined handling, finding your institutional partners, and options for encouraging the adoption of refined handling. The session will also address how refined handling techniques align with the 3Rs framework, promoting ethical research that prioritizes animal comfort and scientific accuracy.

Visit our exhibitors to learn about how they can help you implement the 3Rs. Each exhibitor features a product or service that is dedicated to 3Rs advancement.

In this talk, Amy Orsborn from University of Washington will discuss her efforts to use engineering to advance the 3Rs in Non-Human Primate neuroscience research. This includes imaging, 3D modeling, 3D printing, and artificial tissue technologies to improve implant methods for recording neural data as well as development of in-cage behavioral testing system to efficiently train animals.

In this final brief talk, Megan LaFollette from the 3Rs Collaborative will briefly highlight resources for the 3Rs programming and specific 3Rs strategies from the 3Rs Collaborative. She will give final closing remarks and ask all attendees to complete a survey.

We encourage you to stay for one final networking session until 5:30pm. Small appetizers will be provided and a cash bar will be available.

Note: Exhibitors will be allowed access to the space until 6pm to allow for move-out.