SAS The 3Rs: Replacement strategies and implementation of alternative approaches (NAMS) in biomedical research

School of Life Sciences

Discover innovative alternative methods such as in vitro, in silico and alternative model organisms used to replace or complement traditional animal testing. Through practical case studies, you will explore how to apply these technologies in research and successfully navigate their regulatory opportunities and limits.

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Factsheet

Degree: Module Certificate for Short Advanced Studies (Microcredential) FHNW
Learning mode: Online, Onsite
ECTS credits: 3
Next start: 11.2.2027
Duration: 4 days
Teaching language: English
Place: Online and FHNW Campus Muttenz
Fee: CHF 2 100

At a glance

Explore cutting-edge technologies: in vitro, in silico and alternative model organisms
Apply these methods across fields such as drug development, food safety and ecotoxicology
Know when and how to deploy alternative approaches in different research and testing contexts
Master regulatory hurdles: navigate vital scientific validation, standardisation and acceptance challenges

Aims and benefits

You will learn through case studies and practical demonstrations how to apply key alternative technologies in safety and research areas, while examining their opportunities, limitations and regulatory considerations.

After completing the SAS you will be able to:

Understand the range of replacement technologies available
Evaluate when and how alternative approaches, including NAMs, can replace or complement animal models in different research and testing contexts
Assess the scientific and regulatory considerations involved in implementing replacement methods, including challenges related to validation, standardisation and acceptance

Target audience

This SAS is for you if you operate at the interface of regulation, science and institutional practice. You are seeking practical ways to advance 3Rs implementation beyond minimum compliance and integrate them more strategically within your organisation.

It is particularly suited for professionals involved in animal experimentation and its governance in research institutions, universities, regulatory bodies and public authorities, as well as in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical and consumer goods industries.

It is especially relevant for:

Heads and managers of animal facilities
3Rs officers, animal welfare officers and designated veterinarians
Members of cantonal animal experimentation committees and veterinary authorities
Preclinical and translational researchers
Study directors, principal investigators and senior scientists
Research strategy, governance and compliance professionals
Regulatory affairs professionals

Structure and programme contents

This SAS is the second of four modules within the CAS Strategic 3Rs Implementation in Biomedical Research and Testing. Days one, two and four are online; day three is onsite at FHNW Campus Muttenz.

The programme offers a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge replacement technologies, focusing on in-silico methods, alternative model organisms such as zebrafish, and next-generation Organ-on-Chip models. Through four practical case studies you will explore real-world applications across pharmaceutical development, advanced therapies, the food industry and ecotoxicology. You will transition from theory to practice with direct laboratory insights and demonstrations showcasing how lab automation scales the 3Rs. By the end of the four days you will understand how to leverage these standardised, human-relevant tools to enhance your biomedical and safety research.

At the end of the SAS, a multiple-choice test (pass/fail) is available if you would like to receive ECTS credits. The SAS can be allocated to the CAS Strategic 3Rs Implementation in Biomedical Research and Testing within 3 years.

Lecturers

Prof. Dr. Laura Suter-Dick (FHNW School of Life Sciences)
Elisabeth Husar (Roche)
Gina Montoya (Nestlé)
Andreas Natsch (Givaudan Switzerland AG)
Dr. Joachim Köser (FHNW School of Life Sciences)
Dr. Carine Gaiser (FHNW School of Life Sciences)
Dr. Eva Maria Riegler (ETH Zurich)
Dr. Madalena Cipriano (University of Tübingen)

Requirements and admission

The following programme admission requirements apply:

Tertiary A: Higher education qualification (at least a Bachelor’s degree) and at least 2 years’ practical experience relevant to the programme
Tertiary B: Colleges of Higher Education Diploma (HF), Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (HFP) or Federal Diploma Higher Education (BP), and at least 5 years’ practical experience relevant to the programme
Individuals without a Tertiary A or B qualification may be admitted if they cumulatively meet the following admission criteria:

at least 10 years’ professional experience in a field relevant to the programme, of which at least 5 years in a managerial or senior specialist role
additional qualifications (various non-formal, extensive further training courses or partial completion (>50%) of a tertiary qualification)
evidence of knowledge of academic work or a willingness to acquire this in advance

Organisational matters

Programme partners

The programme content has been defined in close collaboration with the Swiss 3R Competence Center (3RCC), Switzerland’s national centre dedicated to advancing the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (3Rs) in animal experimentation. By funding research, supporting professional training and fostering dialogue between academia, industry and regulatory authorities, the 3RCC plays a key role in promoting the use of alternative methods and improving animal welfare for better science in Switzerland.

The programme is further supported by leading European 3Rs initiatives, including the 3R-Network in Baden-Württemberg and the 3R Center Tübingen. The 3R-Center Tübingen is internationally recognised for its work on organ-on-chip technologies and other human-based approaches that complement and replace animal testing. The centre also contributes to advancing the 3Rs through i) science communication and public outreach, ii) training, education and professional development, and iii) tailored research support. The centre is part of the 3R Network Baden-Württemberg.

Through these partnerships, the programme is embedded in a unique Swiss and European ecosystem of 3Rs expertise, connecting participants with organisations at the forefront of scientific innovation, regulatory developments and the strategic implementation of the 3Rs.

Programme schedule

You can find the timetable of events in the Programme schedule SAS The 3Rs: Replacement strategies and implementation of alternative approaches (NAMS) in biomedical research FHNW 2027 (PDF).

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