The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) is an independent scientific organisation. Tasked by Government, the NC3Rs supports the UK science base by driving and funding innovation and technological developments that replace or reduce the need for animals in research and testing, and lead to improvements in welfare where animals continue to be used. The Centre promotes robust and ethical scientific practice through collaborating with research funders, academia, industry, regulators and animal welfare organisations, both in the UK and internationally. The NC3Rs is supported primarily by Government, but also receives funding from the charitable and industrial sectors. It has an annual budget of approximately £6.1 million and is the UK’s major funder of 3Rs research. Further information about NC3Rs activities and programmes can be found at www.nc3rs.org.uk