The ETH 3R Hub
Mission statement
The mission of the ETH Zurich 3R Hub is to drive measurable and positive change in scientific animal research by promoting the principles of Replace, Reduce, and Refine. The 3R Hub aims to consolidate ongoing 3R research efforts across ETH Zurich. Through collaborative research, education, and the exploration of alternative methods, we strive to minimize the impact on animals in experimental settings, whilst maximizing the information gained from each animal used in research. As the implementation of new 3R approaches is often a hurdle for those wishing to use them, the ETH Zurich 3R Hub will invest its resources and provide hands-on support to labs trying to implement 3R approaches at ETH Zurich and throughout Switzerland. By doing this we will promote a culture of compassion, responsibility, and continuous improvement in animal welfare standards and create a future where scientific progress and compassion coexist harmoniously.
Current focus
The 3R Hub is currently focused on:
- Standardising and implementing advanced deep/machine learning based behavioural analysis
- Pain and welfare monitoring
Tools
GrimAce
The GrimACE is a fully standardised and automated cage-side monitoring tool for mice, it utilises machine vision and learning to provide automated mouse grimace scale (MGS) assessment together with pose estimation in a dark environment where mice can feel safe.
Pose estimation data provided by the GrimACE is compatible with the external page DLCAnalyzer and external page BehaviorFlow.
If you would like to use the GrimACE, please get in touch with a member of the 3R hub who will be happy to assist you obtain or build your own setup and get started!
