SYRCLE was founded as the 3R Research Centre (3RRC) in 2006 as part of the Central Animal Laboratory. Initially, the aim was to facilitate researchers in finding and using 3R alternatives for animal experiments. Dutch biomedical researchers are required by law to search for alternatives, but 3R information is currently scattered over more than 100 databases and consequently researchers search less than 3 hours per project proposal.
In 2008/2009 the focus has shifted towards the execution of systematic reviews, because these are a method to identify, appraise, select and synthesise all available high-quality research results, thereby improving scientific quality and facilitating the implementation of the 3Rs. Within the medical field SRs are a well-established method and form the basis of evidence-based medicine. Therefor the name was changed to SYRCLE in 2012. SYRCLE makes SRs suitable, and strives towards making them the gold standard, for the biomedical field as well.
Financial support is received from both the executive boards of the Radboud University and the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre as well as the Dutch organisation ZonMW.
Read more about the activities and output of the SYRCLE group in the SYRCLE track record.
Our ambition for SYRCLE is to become the centre of expertise in systematic reviews and the leading methodology developer. With a great expertise and widespread international network, SYRCLE can assist laboratory animal researchers in the execution and development of SRs. Subsequently it provides education for, and can be consulted by, students, researchers and other stakeholders, on SRs. The centre aims to be the focal point of both national and international stakeholders.
The centre was founded and is supervised by prof. dr. Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga.
Other staff members:
dr. Marlies Leenaars
dr. Carlijn Hooijmans
dr. Rob de Vries
dr. Kim Wever
Judith van Luijk (PhD student)
SYRCLE organises courses in laboratory animal science, such as the FELASA category C course for researchers. It introduced unique elements in this course on effectively implementing the 3Rs, comprehensive search strategies and specific guidance on how to perform systematic reviews (SRs) of animal studies.
SYRCLE has a widespread international network. It has presented itself in Helsinki (FELASA congres in June 2010), in Basel at Interpharma (December 2010), at the ICLAS in Turkey (June 2011)and at the World Congress on Alternatives in Montreal (21 – 25 August, 2011). SYRCLE also has provided postdoctoral education for lab animal scientists in Switzerland (Lausanne, November 2010 and Geneva, November 2011) and a workshop at the RIGI meeting 22-24 January 2012.
In addition, it has close contacts with the international CAMARADES collaboration (a supporting framework for groups involved in the systematic review and meta-analysis of data from animal studies in experimental stroke), the Swiss Laboratory Animal Science Association SGV, the University of Lausanne, the Dutch Cochrane Centre in Amsterdam, the NKCA in Bilthoven, the NC3Rs in the UK, CCAC in Canada, the Utrecht University and SABRE.
SYRCLE always welcomes proposals and requests for partnerships. Please send us an email in case you are interested in collaborating.
SYRCLE@umcn.nl