In commemoration of World Day for Laboratory Animals, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) launched Taiwan’s first-ever “3R Smart Classroom” in a university setting, reaffirming its commitment to advancing the welfare of laboratory animals while supporting biomedical research development.
Immersive VR Training Brings Humane Science to Life
NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin highlighted the significance of the initiative, citing data from Taiwan’s 2023 Annual Report on Humane Management of Laboratory Animals, which recorded the use of 1.12 million animals in scientific research.
“These numbers reflect the indispensable role of laboratory animals in science,” said Lin. “They also reinforce our resolve to champion the 3R principles—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—in Taiwan’s research ecosystem.”
To mitigate the use of animals during training, NYCU’s Laboratory Animal Center has established the “3R Smart Classroom,” integrating advanced learning technologies and interactive modules to bring the 3R philosophy to life. Central to the classroom is a proprietary VR system and 360-degree virtual tour, developed in-house by NYCU. Designed from the veterinarian’s first-person perspective, the system offers customized technical training for researchers and students.
Through immersive VR experiences, participants can learn essential procedures, such as mouse restraint and tail vein injection, accompanied by real-time guidance and supplementary visuals. These tools allow repeated practice, ensuring high training efficacy without compromising educational quality or animal welfare.
Blending Ethics with Education: Redefining Laboratory Animal Training
In addition to digital learning, the classroom employs lifelike bionic models to help students master manual skills and tactile sensitivity before working with live animals, significantly reducing the need for animal use in instructional settings. This dual strategy strongly embodies the “Replacement” and “Reduction” aspects of the 3R framework.
The classroom also features enriched environments, including various animal toys and well-designed enclosures, allowing students and researchers to recognize the importance of animals’ physical and mental well-being outside experiments. This setup instills a deep understanding of humane science and advances the “Refinement” principle by promoting a compassionate approach to animal care.
Dr. Jui-I Chao, Director of the Laboratory Animal Center, emphasized that these innovative tools boost learning outcomes and deepen students’ knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology. “What matters most is that these digital approaches align perfectly with the 3R principles,” he noted. “They foster academic excellence while ensuring the ethical treatment of laboratory animals—a true win-win.”
NYCU’s 3R Smart Classroom now stands as a benchmark for higher education institutions in Taiwan. Looking ahead, the university plans to integrate its Laboratory Animal Center, Hsien-Chi Hall, BioICT® Alliance, Shu-Tian Hall, and Chu-Ming Hospital to form a humane and cutting-edge research platform, blending science with compassion in Taiwan’s growing biomedical sector.
Source : NYCU News
