NC3Rs
17 December 2024
We have committed over £1M towards the development of non-animal methods.
NC3Rs PhD studentship projects aim to produce well-characterised non-animal methods that are more reliable, predictive or reproducible than existing approaches whilst embedding the 3Rs principles in training the next generation of researchers. Alongside their research projects, the students benefit from tailored training opportunities to support them in achieving a successful PhD and building their skills to aid a future career in the research ecosystem.
This year’s projects include a range of technologies from complex in vitro models, such as microphysiological systems and organoids, to computational models incorporating machine learning. These models may be novel or combine existing technologies to apply to new scientific questions with the aim of replacing the use of animals in research. For example, Professor Beata Wojciak-Stothard was awarded funding to focus on characterising an organ-on-chip model to replace the use of mice, rats and guinea pigs in some studies of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease research. Once characterised this model could have further applications, replacing the use of animals in other lung diseases such as asthma. A project supervised by Dr Amanda-Jayne Carr aims to replace studies using rodents for age-related macular degeneration by creating a cell-based model to screen drugs.
Credit: NC3Rs