Translational Digital Biomarkers
We collaborate to increase industry adoption & regulatory acceptance of translational digital biomarkers that refine and reduce animals in research.
Translational digital biomarkers are objective, quantifiable physiological and behavioral data that are collected and measured by means of digital technologies. They are clinically relevant and translational between preclinical studies and the clinic. These biomarkers have the potential to help reduce the number of laboratory animals needed for biomedical research and refine their lives during necessary projects.
The 3RsC Translational Digital Biomarkers Initiative was established as a collaboration among end-users and technology providers to establish an improved understanding of the value and to facilitate the optimal implementation of digital biomarker technologies in research. The initiative engages end-users and those interested in learning more about how these technologies can be used to promote the 3Rs.
Our initiative first published a review manuscript titled Emerging Role of Translational Digital Biomarkers Within Home Cage Monitoring Technologies in Preclinical Drug Discovery & Development that provides an overview of digital monitoring technologies for use in preclinical studies.
Our initiative’s most recent publication, Validation Framework for Digital In Vivo Measures, outlines the V3 framework, a validation framework that encompasses verification, analytical validation, and clinical validation, and adapts this to ensure the reliability and relevance of digital measures for a preclinical context.

Education

Technology Showcase

Connections

Regulation
Leadership
Our two current co-leads for this initiative are Dr. Szczepan Baran , Dr. Sean Maguire , Dr. Lucas Noldus and Robert Tierney. They provide leadership, guidance, and tactical advice for this group.
Szczepan Baran
Principle, Baran.Cafe;
Chief Barks & Purrs Officer, Tech4Pets.Healthcare
Research Associate, Division of Animal & Human Health Engineering, KU Leuven
Lucas Noldus
Chief Scientist, Noldus Information Technologies
Professor, Radboud University
New to Translational Digital Biomarkers? Watch an introductory webinar below!
Initiative FAQ & How to Join
The 3Rs Collaborative’s TDB Initiative is an expert working group working to advance the adoption and acceptance of TDB technologies. Below are frequently asked questions about our initiative as well as information about how to join.
What is the 3RsC-TDB Initiative?
The 3RsC TDB Initiative is a premier expert working group of TDB stakeholders across the industry – but especially commercial developers – that work together to increase the adoption and acceptance of TDB technologies. To learn more about our group, visit our website or view our charter.
What makes the 3RsC-TDB Initiative unique?
Our initiative is unique as it is comprised of scientists and stakeholders interested in using TDB technology AND commercial TDB technology providers (currently nearly 20 unique providers). Additionally, we include TDB consultants, enabling technology providers, and end-users to participate in the group. We work across North America and Europe to increase our impact and recognize the global nature of the field.
Beyond group membership, our TDB initiative exists in a wider organization that recognizes the value and necessity of animal research. The 3RsC is a non-profit dedicated to the advancement of all 3Rs of animal research: refinement, reduction & replacement.
What are the benefits of joining?
- Membership in our technology hub, built to help end-users decide which TDB technologies are best for them: https://3rc.org/tdb-tech-hub/
- Networking and collaboration with key TDB subject matter experts to advance the entire field.
- Access to networking and showcase opportunities with end-users such as with the FDA and EMA.
- Demonstrate your broad support for the 3Rs.
- Membership pin and flyer to display at conferences noting your membership.
- Logo featured in 3RsC TDB presentations and website.
- Contribute to consensus documents on behalf of technology providers.
Who can be a member?
Generally, membership is restricted to commercially available technology providers of commercially available TDB technologies, TDB end-users, TDB regulatory members, etc. Criteria includes interest/previous experience with TDB technologies.
What is the monetary cost of participating? What does it cover?
As of 2023, it is required for institutions to contribute a minimum of $1000 per institution/company per year. An institution/company is welcome to have multiple members join. This fee covers inclusion in our Technology Hub for providers. It also covers all the project management aspects of the initiative.
Some institutions choose to become a higher-level sponsor of the 3RC to help support our wider mission advancing the 3Rs and gain additional visibility.
What is the time contribution expected of members?
We expect an active contribution from at least one member per institution/company to the various outputs of our initiative. This includes a 1 hour monthly full-group meeting (currently on first Wednesday at 11am EST) plus 1 subgroup and a few hours of additional work a month. Tasks may include providing info for the tech hub, responding to email requests, contributing to our context of use document, etc.
However, we also recognize that there are phases of the year where you may be able to be more or less active. We don’t expect continuously high contribution (although it is appreciated). Some of our institutions/companies may contribute more for a few months and then less for another few. We also allow multiple members from an institution/company representing them in the group and so these contributions can be rotated/spread across several individuals.
How do I become a member?
1. Complete our 3RsC-TDB Initiative Membership Application
2. Your application will be passed along to our staff and membership committee who will evaluate you for our minimum requirement.
- All members: clear personal/institutional focus on TDB
- Commercial Members:
- Commercially available TDB (ready to sell)
- Products/Services available in North America/Europe
- Reference from current member or reputable end-user
- Link to company website in English
3. If approved, you will be sent an invoice to pay the membership fee.
4. Once paid, you will be on-boarded to our initiative.

