Jun 21, 2026 From Margins to Mainstream: The Legacy of the 3Rs and the 2026 Hall of Honor

Nearly 70 years ago, a two-person team published a manuscript outlining methods, approaches, and – broadly speaking – the shifts in mindset necessary to make animal use in experimentation more humane. The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique by W.M.S. Russell and Rex L. Burch published in 1959 by Methuen introduced the concept which has come to make an indelible mark on the biomedical industry and give rise to a small but staunchly devoted community of advocates, activists, and early adopters of the scientific techniques first outlined by Russell and Burch and collectively referred to as the 3Rs: reduction, replacement and refinement (of animal use in experimental design and practice).  

In 2026, the landscape of humane scientific practice has changed dramatically since the 3Rs’ founding fathers, Russell and Burch, risked total ostracization to make a statement about how the research community treated animal lives and, importantly, to offer well-researched, rigorously tested alternatives. A whole industry now exists around the concept of alternatives, encompassing everything from computational tools (think AI and large data analysis) to miniature organs grown on USB-sized, polymer “chips”. One of science’s most exciting specialties now exists in the space of humane science and alternative methods. Regulatory acceptance is also growing, with institutions such as the NIH and the European Commission releasing roadmaps with deadlines for phasing out the use of animals.  

With all the buzz and sci-fi science, it can be easy to forget that what is now accepted and even encouraged by regulatory bodies was once “fringe science.” But, as is often the case, where there is fringe, i.e., activity on the margins of the establishment, there is community. Before there were complex algorithms and miniature livers to preserve the lives of lab animals, there were a handful of individuals risking ostracization and career isolation to champion the 3Rs and working, often tirelessly and without reward, to change the hearts and minds of those in academia, industry, and government.  

To acknowledge the underappreciated but absolutely essential early work that went into establishing the 3Rs as a legitimate framework for sound scientific practice, the Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) and the research journal Alternatives to Animal Experimentation (ALTEX) created the 3Rs Hall of Honor. The 3Rs Hall of Honor was launched in 2024 with the induction of the late Franz P. Gruber and Martin L. Stephens as the first honorees, and with the stated purpose of “honoring and celebrating the groundbreaking contributions made to the field of animal testing reduction, refinement, and replacement.” Importantly, this initiative also aims to document and preserve a rich history of community, cause, and individual contributions in the name of humane practice and ethical science.  

On May 26, 2026, the inaugural Hall of Honor class of 2026, including the previously recognized Franz Gruber and Martin Stephens, was formally inducted into the 3Rs Hall of Honor. In the company of peers, colleagues, and old friends, twelve honorees were acknowledged, congratulated, and, importantly, thanked for careers spent in the service of humane science, of ethically informed research practice, and of a deep and enduring commitment to preserving and protecting the lives of animals in laboratories.  

In the words of awardee, Andrew Rowan: “The individuals we honor this afternoon came from different backgrounds, disciplines, and generations. Yet they shared a common vision that scientific progress and compassion are not in conflict but are, in fact, deeply interconnected.” 

The inaugural class includes the following individuals, all unique in background but connected in edict and ethic: 

‒ Franz Gruber (1942-2023) 

‒ Martin Stephens (1956-2024) 

‒ Herman Koëter (d. 2025) 

‒ Manfred Liebsch (1947-2025) 

‒ Walter Pfaller (1945-2025) 

‒ Gilman D. Veith (1944-2013) 

‒ Michael Balls 

‒ Alan Goldberg (1939-2026) 

‒ Claus-Michael Lehr 

‒ Andrew Rowan 

‒ Horst Spielmann  

For those who have been active participants in the field of alternative methods or even observers, you may also be wondering, as Thomas Hartung pointed out in his opening remarks, “Why didn’t we do this earlier?” – “this” being acknowledging and commemorating significant and sustaining contributions made by leaders in the field – given, as Hartung expressed, paraphrasing Sir Isaac Newton, “we are standing on the shoulders of giants”.  

Notably, Dr. Hartung made this observation, then segued into the induction of Alan M. Goldberg, a notable and very much beloved advocate of the 3Rs and his predecessor as founding director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing.  

Perhaps the best way to put into words the experience of being an early adopter and advocate of the 3Rs is to borrow the words Alan Goldberg shared when accepting his 3Rs Hall of Honor award: 

“When I started CAAT in 1981, I can tell you that the scientific community was fully rejecting of the concept and the idea [of alternative methods]. Fortunately, I had Andrew Rowan … as my mentor for that other side of the animal welfare community, and what it stood for, and how to work with it.” 

A career in animal welfare and humane science, especially in those early years, often meant rejection by the establishment and, importantly, a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals waiting to receive you. Though recognition has regrettably been long overdue for all the honorees in this year’s class, we hold fast to the simple statement by Dr. Goldberg: “It’s been a remarkable time.” In place of accolades, the members of this community have long worked without thanks or even acknowledgment, rewarded instead by each other’s company and the enormous possibilities that arise out of a life spent in service of something you believe in fundamentally.  

We are saddened to share that Alan Goldberg passed away on June 9, 2026. He will be remembered for many things, among them an incredible career of connection and commitment to the values and ideals embodied in the 3Rs. Congratulations to the 3Rs Hall of Honor class of 2026. We thank you for all you have done for animal welfare and humane science.  

Personal Note from the Rowan Family 

The Rowan family would like to commemorate the rich friendship they enjoyed with Alan and Helene Goldberg over the past 45 years. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Helene and the Goldberg family. Alan emanated a vibrant and optimistic “Menschdom.” He will be sorely missed by all who knew and interacted with him. 

Image credit: CAAT