Call for Applications 2027
In conjunction with THE 3R LÄND Organoid Conference 2027, Ulm, 18–20 March 2027

The Integrated 3R Center of Ulm University (i3RU) is dedicated to implementing the 3R/6R principles in life science research to enhance both animal welfare and scientific discovery.

Modern life science research requires a holistic approach that integrates innovative non-animal testing models (New Approach Methodologies, NAMs), computer simulations, refined animal experimentation, and observations in patients. This integrative approach is often hindered by the separation of expertise in cutting-edge methodologies such as species-specific animal models, organoid and organ-on-chip technologies, in silico simulations, and advanced mathematical models aimed at minimizing the number of animals used in experiments when they are indispensable.

With this award, the Integrated 3R Center Ulm promotes interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists with complementary expertise to initiate joint projects that embody the various aspects of the 3R/6R concept in addressing pressing scientific questions in the life sciences.

This seed award supports joint projects involving two or more scientists forming an interdisciplinary team, incorporating at least two aspects of the 3R principles. The goal is to provide start-up funding for collaborative projects that will later be submitted to national funding organizations for continued support.

The 2027 call is thematically linked to THE 3R LÄND Organoid Conference 2027, taking place in Ulm from 18 to 20 March 2027 under the motto “Organoids in Ulm, around Ulm and all around Ulm”. The meeting unites THE 3R LÄND network, the DFG Research Training Group 3175 Org-BOOST (Organoid-Based Modelling of Solid Tumors) and the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung Physician Scientist School POTENTIAL.

Proposals from the entire breadth of 3R/6R research are welcome. Projects that connect to one or more of the following themes – reflecting the scientific blocks of the conference – are particularly encouraged:

• Engineering human organogenesis and disease modelling
• 3R and next-generation model systems / New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)
• Organ-on-chip technologies, multicellularity, tissue mimicry and autoimmunity
• High-resolution phenotyping, imaging and spatial biology
• Patient-derived organoids and precision oncology
• Stem cell-based models of embryogenesis
• Single-cell and multi-omics technologies, computational analytics and AI-guided disease modelling
• Synthetic matrices, bioengineering and reproducible human model systems

Bridging experimental biology, clinical research and computational medicine is an explicit aim of this call. Teams that combine wet-lab organoid or organ-on-chip expertise with imaging, omics, mathematical modelling or AI-based data analysis – and thereby reduce, refine or replace animal experimentation – are especially invited to apply.

At least two early-career scientists from different institutes or departments affiliated with the 3R Netzwerk Baden-Württemberg are eligible to apply. Applicants must be PhD/MD students or have completed their PhD or MD no more than six years ago. Projects should be interdisciplinary, involving natural sciences and medicine.

Successful projects will receive €15,000 for a one-year period per team. The funds may be used flexibly for personnel costs and materials. The anticipated start date for funding is 1 April 2027.

• Scientific quality, originality and relevance of the proposed question
• Degree and credibility of 3R/6R integration (at least two “R” aspects, contributed by different applicants)
• Complementarity and true interdisciplinarity of the team
• Feasibility within twelve months with the available infrastructure
• Prospects for follow-up funding by national or international funding organizations

Please upload your application documents to our website form below as a single PDF file (not exceeding 10 MB), including the information listed below, by 30 October 2026.

Selected teams will be notified in early 2027 and are invited to present their project during THE 3R LÄND Organoid Conference 2027 in Ulm (18–20 March 2027) in the session “3R and the Next Generation Model Systems”, where the awards will be handed over.

A final report (maximum 3 pages) is required after the funding period ends.

For further information, please contact:
Prof. Dr. Jan Tuckermann
jan.tuckermann@uni-ulm.de

Proposal, including:

• Title page
  • Names and affiliations of the applicants
  • Project title
  • Keywords
  • Project summary
• Project description (max. 2 pages)
  • Brief background, overall aims, and a clear explanation of how the different “R” principles will be integrated by each applicant, including an outline of the proposed work for each participant.
• Statement on 3R/6R relevance (max. ½ page)
  • Which “R” aspects are addressed, and how the project is expected to reduce, refine or replace animal experiments in the medium term.
• References (1 page)
• Curriculum vitae for each applicant
• Letter of support from the applicants’ lab heads, detailing the preconditions for the project, including lab space availability.