Many research institutions often struggle to meet the growing expectations for high-quality animal care and use, legal and ethical responsibilities, and the constant pressure to balance good science with strong animal welfare.
R3FINED International Ltd, founded by Dr. Rafael Frías, helps bridge that gap. We support organisations with veterinary expertise, LAS training, and the development or improvement of education programs to meet the highest international standards.
Our vision is to help academic and scientific organisations meet the highest legal, ethical, veterinary, and scientific standards to ensure excellence in animal care and use, research integrity, and meaningful translational results.
Our mission is to refine the care and use of animals in science by promoting humane, responsible, and high-quality research practices. We connect science, ethics, and education through evidence-base approaches and established international standards to achieve better animal welfare and better research.
Education and training for scientists and animal facility staff
Development and refinement of LAS training programs and SOPs
Veterinary and scientific advice for preclinical research
Support with study design, ethical compliance, and evaluation of animal studies
Strategic advisory for animal facilities and research institutions
Photo credit: FELASA Congress 2025 (via FELASA 2025 Gallery)
Dr. Rafael Frías, DVM, MSc, PhD, Assoc. Prof. (LAS), is the Founder and Managing Director of R3FINED International Ltd. He has over 20 years of international experience in laboratory animal science, biomedical research, veterinary practice, and education.
He is a laboratory animal veterinarian with a FELASA specialization in laboratory animal science (LAS) and with a PhD in laboratory animal medicine. He holds Associate Professor qualifications in LAS at the University of Helsinki and the Karolinska Institute. He has led the Department of Comparative Medicine at Karolinska University Hospital, directed the Unit for Education and Training in Laboratory Animal Science at Comparative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, served for 12 years as Designated Veterinarian at the University of Turku, and worked as a veterinary scientist at the Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Helsinki, Finland.
Rafael has published widely on LAS, presented at numerous conferences, and organised hundreds of training courses, CPD activities, summer schools, and international conferences.
He has been deeply involved in the field through roles such as President of ESLAV, External Expert for the FELASA Board of Education and Training, member of the Fondazione Guido Bernardini scientific committee, and board member of the Nordic Consortium for LAS Education and Training. He has also chaired ETPLAS working groups on practical skills assessment and assessor competence and contributed to several international scientific committees.
Email: rafael.frias@r3fined.eu
R3FINED International Oy Ltd
Business ID: 3558090-6
VAT no.: FI35580906
Country of registration: Finland
Managing Director: Dr. Rafael Frías