First ReThink3R-Workshop organised by Charité3R

Interactive Design Thinking Workshops for a better implementation of the 3R with innovative solutions

26th and 27th of March 2019: With a great view over Berlin from the 21st level of the "Bettenhochhaus" - Charité Mitte, our first ReThink3R-Workshop took place – organized by Charité3R and intended for doctoral and postdoctoral students.

Within the workshop we addressed the topic of animal experiments and the implementation of the 3R principle in science. After two short introducing presentations, we focused on the interactive work including the definition of concrete problems to implement the 3R in the daily scientific routine and the development of innovative solutions by the participants. Therefore, we used Design Thinking as an innovation method to generate user-centred and creative solutions in an effective and interactive teamwork. Based on a first brainstorming, collecting own knowledge and experiences, and insights from interviews with scientists and animal welfare officers, real problems regarding the implementation of the 3R were defined. In detail, one group identified the communication gap about animal experiments between scientists and the public, while the other group focused on the publication pressure in prestigious journals that scientists are exposed to in their daily life. Using different tools and the mindset of Design Thinking, the participants collected ideas and approaches to addressed the identified problems. One idea was chosen per group and first prototypes were built and tested. In detail, the first prototype regarding the communication gap was a TV-series with the title “Inside the Cage”, explaining the work of scientists and animal experiments in an understandable and entertaining way. The second prototype focusing on the publication pressure and reviewer processes was an internet platform for sharing and discussing reviewer comments with the scientific community. In conclusion, during workshop the participants were able to develop self-confidence for their own creativity and to learn new tools, which will help them within their future career to e.g. develop models and solutions for the implementation of the 3R in the context of animal experiments and their own research field.

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