Artificial Intelligence Initiative

Collaborating to advance use of artificial intelligence technologies in preclinical drug discovery & development

Artificial Intelligence technologies can increase the quality and amount of information gained from both human and animal studies, and offer unique opportunities for scientific advancement. Artificial Intelligence represents an opportunity to complement and, in some cases, reduce reliance on animal models in biomedical research and preclinical drug discovery and development. 

The 3RsC Artificial Intelligence Initiative is a collaboration between technology developers, end-users, regulators, academics, and other stakeholders in the AI space. It provides a venue for productive interaction between key stakeholders in the industry to advance implementation and qualification of artificial intelligence methods. The 3Rs Collaborative is a US-based non-profit focused on advancing better science – for both humans and animals – through facilitating collaborative 3Rs initiatives.

Leadership

Our two current co-leads responsible for launching this initiative are Dr. Szczepan Baran and Dr. Weida Tong. They provide leadership, guidance, and tactical advice for this group.

Szczepan Baran

Principle, Baran.Cafe; 
 
Chief Barks & Purrs Officer, Tech4Pets.Healthcare
 
Research Associate, Division of Animal & Human Health Engineering, KU Leuven
 
weida_tong_aaps

Weida Tong

Director of Bioinformatics & Biostatistics, FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research

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Objectives

  1. Educate and promote artificial intelligence technologies as a critical and versatile technology in pharmaceutical development, increasing predictability and translatability of drug development while contributing to the advancement of 3Rs. 
  2. Identify and address knowledge gaps between technology developers, regulatory agencies and end-users. 
  3. Foster communication within the professional network of stakeholders.

Membership

We established this initiative in mid 2023 with 10 founding companies. Membership is now open to any relevant individuals who meet our membership criteria.

If you are interested in joining the Artificial Intelligence initiative please send an email with your CV and short statement of interest to laurenyoung@3rc.org

Founding Members

Intro to AI Webinar Series

In 2025, the 3RsC AI Initiative established a four-part AI webinar series. The goal of this series is for beginners in regulatory science, toxicology, and safety who are new to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning to learn foundational concepts, see live demonstrations of tools, and discover practical applications of AI that align with the 3RsC 3Rs goals. Each session will be co-presented by experts (in a conversational format) to provide multiple perspectives and keep the tone accessible and engaging. 

See more information about each webinar, including dates & registration links, below!

  • Date: July 16, 2025
  • Watch the video recording on our YouTube channel here, or below!
  • Date: TBD
  • Registration will be open soon! If you registered for webinar 1 you will automatically be registered for the rest of the series.

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