Modern human-relevant technology has the potential to provide answers traditionally sought through animal research. Yet in many of these areas there is little momentum to transition away from animal use. Education is a key driver that helps increase the impetus for change.

FRAME believes that a whole system approach to replacing animals in research is the best way to facilitate change and ensure the development and uptake of human-relevant research methods. This system is driven by the work and choices made by various stakeholders including funders, journal editors, regulators, industry, academics, legislators, and of course scientists. Relevant training and awareness of the current research landscape are important in these roles to help inform valid scientific and ethical choices, and help prioritise non-animal research.. Through education it is possible to share information about the system, develop confidence in the use of alternative methods, and challenge the use of animals in different areas of research and testing.

Where animals are still being used training is important to ensure researchers have the knowledge and skills to search for and use alternative non-animal methods, make robust ethical decisions, justify choices clearly, correctly implement the 3Rs, and design valid, reproducible studies.

FRAME Education & Training Opportunities

FRAME provides training and education for future and current research scientists through different channels including:

• The FRAME Training School courses provide Experimental Design Training for practising animal researchers.
• The FRAME Alternatives Laboratory at the University of Nottingham supports undergraduate and PhD students at the University to develop an understanding of non-animal methods.
• We have recently launched a short online training course providing an Introduction to Experimental Design.
• FRAME is currently supporting the teaching of experimental design, 3Rs, ethics and alternatives to PhD students on the Doctoral Training Programme at the University of Nottingham.
• In 2021 FRAME is launching a set of teaching resources for secondary schools to engage with future research scientists at an earlier age.
• FRAME also holds other events such as symposia, lectures and grant programmes to provide opportunities for undergraduate and early career researchers to develop their research and scientific communication skills.
• FRAME occasionally has opportunities for PhD students to undertake a remote Professional Internship Placement (PIPS) with FRAME. Please get in touch if you are interested in this.

If you are interested in collaborating with FRAME on an education or training initiative, or wish to support an area of our education work please contact amy@frame.org.uk