Call for proposals for 3R research at the UKE

As part of the opening of the Hamburg Center for 3R Research (HC3R), the Medical Faculty of the University of Hamburg is inviting proposals for funding for two innovative research projects in the field of the 3R Principle (Replace, Reduce, Refine). The aim of the call is to support the development and establishment of new scientific approaches that replace animal experiments, reduce their number or make their implementation more animal-friendly.

The funding is intended to further strengthen and raise the profile of 3R research at the UKE. Projects may include methodological developments, new models or concepts that contribute to the implementation of the 3R concept in biomedical research. The focus is on replacement and reduction strategies as well as improvements to existing animal testing procedures.

Funding will be provided for two research projects with clearly defined themes and time frames, with a maximum of €100,000 each for the entire project duration of up to two years (for personnel and material costs). Scientists from all disciplines of the Faculty of Medicine who are employed at the UKE for the entire duration of the project are eligible to apply. Joint applications and interdisciplinary collaborations are expressly encouraged. The funded projects should be realistically achievable within the funding period and demonstrate high potential for the application of the 3R Principle in Hamburg.

The selection committee is composed of members of the HC3R Board. In the event of conflicts of interest, particularly in relation to submitted applications, the committee members concerned are excluded from deliberations and decisions on these applications. Compliance with transparency and impartiality regulations is ensured.

Call period: until 15. February 2026

Call for proposals language: English

Funding period: 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2028

Submission options: Online form with upload function or via email (HC3R@uke.de) ( HC3R@uke.de ) as a single PDF file

Selection committee: HC3R Board members

Transparency regarding conflicts of interest: All members of the selection committee disclose in advance whether they themselves or their working group are submitting an application.

Exclusion in cases of bias: Members who are directly or indirectly involved (e.g. as supervisors, cooperation partners or working group leaders) in a submitted application are not entitled to vote in the discussion, evaluation and decision-making process for that application.

Supplementation by external reviewers: Optionally, external scientists with no conflict of interest may be involved as additional reviewers or voting members. All steps of the bias review and handling process are documented to ensure transparency.