Primate Research 3Rs Advanced | Animal Welfare Hub

Advanced application of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) to primate research, including emerging alternatives.

Key Facts

Approximately 70,000 non-human primates are used in research globally each year
The 3Rs framework requires replacement, reduction, and refinement in animal research
Organoid and in vitro models are replacing some primate research protocols
EU rules require scientific justification for primate use in research
Refinement advances include less invasive sampling and improved environmental enrichment

Welfare Considerations

Primate research welfare has improved through application of the 3Rs, but the use of highly sentient non-human primates in biomedical research remains ethically contested. The most impactful welfare advance would be replacement of primates with validated alternative methods, but this requires sustained research investment in organoids, computational models, and in vitro systems. Meanwhile, refinement improvements in handling, housing, and experimental design reduce welfare harm in ongoing research.

What You Can Do

Support research into alternatives to primate models
Advocate for mandatory 3Rs review before primate research approval
Engage with regulatory processes on primate research ethical frameworks