3Rs PROJECT GRANTS

Funding period is now closed – we received 143 outline applications. These are currently being reviewed for full application invitations.

Overview

The Swiss 3R Competence Centre announces its 2025 3Rs Project Grant scheme, supporting innovative research that advances the replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal use in scientific procedures. This competitive grant scheme follows a two-stage application process and welcomes proposals across all areas of 3Rs research.

Eligibility

  • Principal Investigators must hold a position at an eligible research institution (at the indicated start of funding).
    • The PI is expected to hold a PhD in the relevant scientific discipline; however this is not a strict requirement.
  • Projects must demonstrate clear 3Rs impact potential
  • International collaborations are welcome, with the main applicant based in Switzerland
  • Expenses relevant to the success of the project can be requested
    • This includes the salary of the PI
    • Equipment costs are capped at CHF 20’000
  • Please refer to our funding regulations for details on eligibility and more

Application Process

Stage 1: Outline Application

  • Opening Date: January 2025
  • Deadline: March 5, 2025, 23:59 CET

Applications must be submitted through our online Grant Portal (funding.swiss3rcc.org).

The outline application includes:

  • Project summary
  • 3Rs impact statement
  • Preliminary budget total

Important Application Resources:

  • Access the online application system: funding.swiss3rcc.org
  • Download an example outline application form here from our previous funding rounds (note that there will be some differences to the current form on the grant portal; all applications must be completed on our grant portal online)
  • Project information on currently funded projects can be found here

First-time applicants must register for the Grant Tracker account before starting their application. We recommend registering well in advance of the deadline.

Stage 2: Full Application

  • Opening Date: June 2025
  • Deadline: September 1, 2025, 23:59 CET
  • Requirements: (Only for successful outline applications)
    • Detailed research proposal
    • Full methodological approach
    • Comprehensive budget
    • Implementation strategy
    • Risk assessment
    • Detailed timeline
    • Letters of support (if applicable)
     

Published : 10.06.2025

Key Dates

 

Outline Application Window: January – March 5, 2025

Outline Results Notification: May 2025

Full Application Window: June – September 1, 2025

Final Decision: December 2025

Project Start: February – April 2026

 

Funding Scope

  • Research projects advancing any aspect of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement)
  • Project duration: 2-4 years
  • Maximum total funding: CHF 440,000.-
  • Expected number of projects funded: 3-4 project

Application Submission

 

All applications must be submitted through the funding portal.

Registration required prior to submission

Technical support available at funding@swiss3rcc.org

Assessment Criteria

 

Outline Stage

 

1. Scientific Quality

  • Research excellence
  • Methodological rigor

 

2. 3Rs Impact

  • Potential for implementation
  • Scale of impact
  • Addresses current challenges

 

3. Team Capability

  • Research track record
  • Required expertise
  • Project management capacity

 

Full Application Stage

Additional detailed criteria will be provided to successful outline applicants.