SAS The 3Rs: Replacement strategies and implementation of alternative approaches (NAMS) in biomedical research, FHNW School of Life Sciences

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.

This SAS is for you if you operate at the interface of regulation, science and institutional practice and 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

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 the FHNW Campus Muttenz.

This SAS offers a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge replacement technologies, focusing on in- silico methods, alternative model organisms like 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 SAS, you will understand how to leverage these standardized, human-relevant tools to enhance your biomedical and safety research.

At the end of the SAS, a multiple-choice questionnaire (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.

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.