1. Norecopa Norway’s Consensus-Platform for Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of Animal Experiments Established 10th October 2007

2. Norecopa aims to promote the use of all “the 3 R’s” in animal research: Replacement Reduction Refinement Norecopa is financed largely by: The Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food The Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Current annual budget: approx. 30,000 euros + the cost of the secretary (50% position)

3. Norecopa involves all the 4 stakeholders engaged in animal research: Government and regulators Research and teaching Industry Animal welfare organisations Norecopa is an independent member organisation, with the AGM as its highest body, and a board representing all stakeholders. For administrative reasons the secretariat is affiliated to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute.

4. MEMBERS In 2012 there are 14 countries with National Platforms approved by ecopa Norecopa is a member of ecopa (European Consensus-Platform for Alternatives) www.ecopa.eu

5. The Laboratory Animal Unit at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science ran a temporary platform from 2005-2007. Norecopa now maintains this website http://oslovet.norecopa.no Guidelines for animal experiments Information to society about animal research Databases on alternatives to animal research Information on research animal species Teaching material for persons planning or conducting animal experiments

6. Norecopa has its own website: www.norecopa.no Aims and activity plan Links to resources on the 3Rs Information on fish and wildlife research Consensus meetings organised by the platform

7. International consensus meetings Care & Use of Fish in Research I (May 2005) Care & Use of Animals in Field Research (May 2008) Care & Use of Fish in Research II (September 2009) Care & Use of Agricultural Animals in Research (September 2012)

8. What does Norecopa focus on? The Annual General Meeting and the Board have developed an Activity Plan. There are, in particular, many challenges in Norway within research on fish and wild animals lack of standardised research animals large numbers are used health and welfare problems the need for better statistical methods the need for more guidelines within the 3 R’s Photo: J. Arnemo Photo: R. Johansen

9. For more information: Norecopa c/o Norwegian Veterinary Institute P.O. Box 750 Sentrum 0106 Oslo Secretary: Professor Adrian Smith tel. (+47) 41 22 09 49 fax (+47) 23 21 64 85 adrian.smith@vetinst.no www.norecopa.no