Virtual Research Seminar Series

Next Seminar - April 25 - 4pm GMT

The 3Rs Principles in Invertebrate Research

In this talk, Miriam will explore how the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs) can be applied in research on insects and other invertebrates. Topics covered will include strategies for refining experimental techniques to minimize harm, approaches to reducing invertebrate use in research, and the feasibility of replacement methods. Through case studies and practical examples, the discussion will highlight both the complexities and the benefits of applying the 3Rs to invertebrate research, offering insights into how these principles can shape responsible and effective scientific practice.

Dr. Miriam A Zemanova, University of Fribourg, Switzerland

Past Seminars on our YouTube

October 2024 - “Identifying trends in reporting on the ethical treatment of insects in research” (Craig Perl, PhD; Insect Welfare Research Society, USA)

August 2024 - “The Sphex story: How humans kept repeating themselves” (Fred Keijzer, PhD; University of Groningen, the Netherlands)

June 2024 - “How honeybees think” (Andrew Barron, PhD; Macquarie University, AU)

April 2024 - “The moral status of insects” (Jeff Sebo, PhD; New York University, USA)

March 2024 - “The needs and means of using non-lethal methods in entomological research” (Gabor Lövei, PhD; Aarhus University & University of Debrecen & Marco Ferrante, PhD; Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Germany)

February 2024 - “Evaluating electrical stunning as a humane slaughter method for decapod crustaceans: Lessons learned when assessing sensitivity” (Amaya Albalat, PhD; University of Stirling, UK) - view slides here

December 2023 - “How the cricket feels and what the mealworm has to say: The influence of rearing environments on insect welfare in different food and feed production systems” (Alexander Haverkamp, PhD; Wageningen University, the Netherlands)

October 2023 - “Insect Sentience” (Lars Chittka, PhD; Queen Mary University of London, UK) - view recording of comparable talk at UFAW, here

August 2023 - “How Can We Know What is Good for Insects?” (Heather Browning, PhD; Southhampton University, UK)

June 2023 - “Insect welfare: Solid foundations for an emerging field” (Meghan Barrett, PhD; California State University Dominguez Hills, USA)

Upcoming Seminars

May 22, 2025 - “Investigations on the possibility of pain in crustaceans and subsequent changes in how these animals are used.” (Emeritus Professor Bob Elwood; Queen’s University, Belfast, UK)

June 2025 - TBD

July 2025 - TBD