Centro 3R: advancing 3Rs principles in education, research, and beyond

The Italian Centro 3R, founded to promote the 3Rs in university teaching, has formed a collaborative network to share resources and teaching methods. An initial survey assessed researchers' and students' attitudes toward animal experiments and alternatives, revealing that while Italian researchers were aware of the 3Rs, they often viewed animal tests as indispensable and considered replacements as complementary models. Science students, on the other hand, had limited knowledge of animal protection legislation and the 3Rs concept. In response, the Centro 3R's university network introduced courses and credits emphasizing ethics, one-health, preclinical models, invertebrate models, organ-on-a-chip, and in silico models to mainstream replacement through comprehensive education. These courses, initially elective, have tripled in number since 2018 and are in high demand, indicating the success of the pervasive education strategy. Centro 3R, with its mission to promote the 3Rs and responsible research, is actively engaging the next generation of scientists through expanded course offerings and increased awareness. This complements its broader goal of advancing the "One Health" approach and influencing the well-being of people, animals, and the environment, both at the national and European levels. The Center is also striving for institutional recognition and support from the Italian Ministry of Health and the Ministry of University and Research, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping current thinking on critical issues of planetary well-being.