The 3Rs and animal welfare: insights into animal research and alternative methods

In collaboration with Life Science Zurich, the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich invite secondary school classes and other interested groups to gain first-hand insight into animal-based research. In addition to laboratories where animals are used, other facilities open their doors – such as the Laboratory Animal Services Centre, which is responsible for the breeding, housing and care of laboratory mice and rats. Visitors can also have the opportunity to tour research units that are working on alternatives to animal testing and implementing the 3Rs principles (Replace, Reduce, Refine), with the aim of developing less invasive and more responsible research approaches.

The tours demonstrate how research involving animals is regulated by law, how animal welfare is put into practice in day-to-day research, and how universities support progress towards responsible research that takes animal welfare into account. At the same time, there is the tours provide ample opportunity for discussion and for visitors to ask questions.

The Laboratory Animal Centre (LASC) is the University of Zurich’s central centre of excellence for the breeding, housing and care of laboratory animals. It provides state-of-the-art housing facilities for around 65,000–75,000 laboratory animals, mostly rodents, with very high standards of hygiene and animal welfare. The LASC supports researchers with issues relating to the care and use of laboratory animals, as well as animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. The welfare of laboratory animals lies at the heart of the work of the LASC's nearly 100 staff members, who work in areas such as animal care, veterinary services, logistics, IT and administration.

• Locacion: UZH Campus Schlieren, Wagistrasse 13a, 8952 Schlieren
• Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
• Group size: max. 8 people
• Dates: upon request
• More about the LASC here

They are only a few centimetres long and seem unremarkable, yet they are invaluable to basic research: zebrafish. The neurobiologist Stephan Neuhauss uses them as model organisms to investigate fundamental biological processes such as eye development, as well as diseases of the visual system and the brain.

• Location: UZH Campus Irchel
• Durcation: approx. 2 hours
• Group size: 1 group of approx. 20 people; guided tour of the fish room/laboratory in groups of up to 8 people (simultaneous tours for 2 to 3 groups are possible)
• Dates:  Wednesday afternoons upon arrangement
• More about the institute here

The Experimental Imaging and Brain Metabolism research group is investigating how nerve cells satisfy their high energy demands, which other cells support them in doing so, and the role of blood flow. Using high-resolution microscopy on mice with small windows implanted in their brains, the researchers are studying various processes in order to improve our fundamental understanding of these mechanisms, as well as to gain insight into what happens when these processes are disrupted.

• Location: UZH Campus Irchel
• Duration: approx. 2 hours
• Group size: max. 8–12 people; lab tours in smaller groups of 4–5 people
• Dates: upon request
• More about the research group here

The ETH Animal Nutrition Research Group at AgroVet-Strickhof in Lindau investigates the nutritional physiology, metabolism, and feeding strategies of livestock with a strong focus on sustainability, animal health, and efficient resource use. Visitors gain insights into ongoing experiments, analytical methods, and interdisciplinary research linking animal science, agricultural systems, and environmental impact. Tours include selected laboratory and research areas and provide the opportunity for direct discussion with scientists. Tours are offered in English by default, unless German is specifically requested.

• Location: AgroVet-Strickhof, Eschikon 27, 8315 Lindau (ZH) 
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Group size: Typically suitable for groups of up to 10–15 participants. Larger groups can be accommodated in split groups, depending on the topic and space availability.
• Dates: upon request
• More about the Animal Nutrition Research Group here

Anatomy reveals the structural diversity of human and animal bodies resulting from evolution. Understanding normal and pathological bodily processes requires an understanding of anatomy, which forms the fundamental basis of medicine. In veterinary anatomy, we work with donated animal bodies and use a process called plastination to make anatomical structures clear and comprehensible. Natural body parts are displayed and permanently preserved through impregnation with a synthetic polymer. Plastination is therefore an important part of our 3R approach, supporting teaching by improving spatial understanding. Additionally, anatomical specimens are digitally captured using high-resolution 3D scanning technology and subsequently reproduced. These models are available as physical replicas and as interactive, freely rotatable computer representations for use in teaching and research (see here). The Anatomage® platform enables virtual dissection, in which anatomical structures can be displayed interactively in 3D, layered and analysed in detail. These new techniques allow students to study three-dimensional anatomical structures on both durable, high-quality specimens and on computers.

• Location: Institue of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty UZH, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zürich 
• Duration: approx. 1 hour
• Group size:  max. 25 people
• Dates: upon request (in the afternoon, preferably outside of the academic term)
• more about the Institute of Veterinary Anatomy here

The research group led by Prof. Thomas Lutz at the Institute of Veterinary Physiology is investigating how the brain regulates food intake and the disruptions that occur during the development of metabolic diseases. Understanding these mechanisms is key to developing treatments for metabolic diseases, including weight-loss injections. Our research involves in vivo models (rodents), histological examinations and metabolic tests.

• Location: Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculity UZH, Winterthurerstrasse 204, 8057 Zürich 
• Duration: 1 -2 hours
• Group sixe: max. 6 to 8 people
• Dates: upon request
• More about the Institute of Veterinary Physiology here
   

Professor Soeren Lienkamp’s research group is investigating the molecular causes of genetic kidney diseases such as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Using genetically modified tadpoles of the tropical clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis) and the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), researchers are able to observe the kidneys directly during the larval stage. This allows them to draw conclusions about the mechanisms necessary for normal kidney function that are disrupted in the context of disease.

• Location: Insitute of Anatomy, UZH Campus Irchel, Winterthurerstrasse 204, 8057 Zürich 
• Duration: 1 hour for a short presentation, Q&A, and a guided tour of the clawed frog facility
• Group size: 6 people
• Dates: upon request
• More about the Lienkamp Lab here