Norway says "enough" to animal testing. A new center aims to change the entire research system
The Norwegian government has announced the establishment of a national 3R center. Its goal is to develop alternatives to animal testing.
For over 20 years, the organization has consistently advocated for the creation of a national 3R center.
Fot. Iselin Linstad Hauge
The decision was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food on April 17. A budget of NOK 6 million has been allocated for 2026. This is the result of over 20 years of efforts by Dyrevernalliansen (the Animal Protection Alliance). The institution will support efforts to reduce the use of animals in research.
The 3R Center and the organization's demands
3R stands for Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction. These are methods for replacing, limiting, and improving animal research. The new center will coordinate the development of such solutions. Its goal is to reduce the number of animals used in experiments. It will also work to improve conditions where research is still conducted.
Dyrevernalliansen points out that this is a breakthrough after years of advocacy. The organization expects further steps and calls for the creation of a national plan to phase out animal use in research. It points to the British model as an example. It also highlights the need for increased funding and prioritization of alternatives.
Dyrevernalliansen points out that this is a breakthrough after years of advocacy. The organization expects further steps and calls for the creation of a national plan to phase out animal use in research. It points to the British model as an example. It also highlights the need for increased funding and prioritization of alternatives.
Norway lacks consistent efforts aimed at developing alternative solutions.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard license
Scale of research and the example of the UK
After fish, mice are the most commonly used animals in research in Norway. Over the past 20 years, more than 45 million animals have been used. Per capita, this is the highest level in Europe. The aquaculture sector plays a significant role. There is a lack of coordinated efforts to reduce this scale.
Animals used in research may undergo procedures that cause pain and stress. In practice, they have the weakest protection of all animals. The UK has implemented a strategy to limit such research, which includes phase-out deadlines, regulatory reforms, and support for alternatives. Funding for these activities amounts to about NOK 1 billion.
"It is high time for Norway to also abandon animal testing and switch to safer and more ethical methods wherever possible. We need a national strategy that shifts resources and attention to modern, animal-free solutions," says Helle Haukvik, veterinarian and spokesperson for Dyrevernalliansen.
Animals used in research may undergo procedures that cause pain and stress. In practice, they have the weakest protection of all animals. The UK has implemented a strategy to limit such research, which includes phase-out deadlines, regulatory reforms, and support for alternatives. Funding for these activities amounts to about NOK 1 billion.
"It is high time for Norway to also abandon animal testing and switch to safer and more ethical methods wherever possible. We need a national strategy that shifts resources and attention to modern, animal-free solutions," says Helle Haukvik, veterinarian and spokesperson for Dyrevernalliansen.
The creation of the 3R center marks the beginning of the next stage of institutional action. Animal welfare organizations expect that the decision will be followed by further funding and concrete regulations. Developing a detailed plan and setting a timeline for changes will be crucial. Meanwhile, the scale of current research and the pressure to reduce it remain in the background.
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