Alternatives

Hands of a person using test tubes

This site provides information on methods and sources available to reduce, refine or replace animals used in teaching, testing, and research. A fundamental goal of the Animal Welfare Act and the accompanying regulations is the minimization of animal pain and distress via the consideration of alternatives and alternative methods.
Spotlights
TSAR: Tracking System for Alternative test methods Review, Validation and Approval in the Context of EU Regulations on Chemicals

European Commission. Joint Research Centre. Institute for Health and Consuemr Protection.

A tool to provide information on the status of alternative methods as they progress from scientific protocols to validation for being used in a regulatory context.
Graphic depicting the 3Rs Principles of Humane Experimental Technique

Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing.

In 1959 Russell and Burch classified humane techniques as replacement, reduction, and refinement--now commonly known as the 3Rs.
3 building blocks with a letter R in each, representing the 3 Rs CCAC Three Rs Microsite

Canadian Council on Animal Care.

This site provides useful information on the three Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement alternatives) to those involved with the use of animals in science.
Altweb logo Alternatives to Animal Testing Web Site

Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing.

A gateway to alternatives news, information, and resources on the internet and beyond.
Cover art from the 1986 book entitled "Alternatives to animal use in research, testing, and education" Alternatives to Animal Use in Research, Testing, and Education

US Congress. Office of Technology Assessment.

This 1986 report analyzes the scientific, regulatory, economic, legal, and ethical considerations involved in alternative technologies in biomedical and behavioral research, toxicity testing, and education.
BioSim

European Commission.

This Network of Excellence aims to demonstrate how the use of modern simulation technique through a deeper and more qualitative understanding of the underlying biological, pathological and pharmacological processes can lead to a more rational drug development process, improved treatment procedures, and a reduction in the needs for animal experiments.