Research

The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has the statutory task of undertaking scientific research that is closely linked to its activities.

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Our topics in the area of research

Tasks

The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment conducts research oriented towards application objectives and carries out scientific studies that are necessary for the execution of its statutory tasks. In this way BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment safeguards and promotes the scientific expertise behind its internationally recognised competences and know-how in the field of risk assessment, which is independent of economic interests. In its scientific assessment and research work the Institute is independent.

Category

Scientific Advisory Board

The Scientific Advisory Board advises the institute on its research priorities.

Research agenda

The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment's research agenda is based on the needs arising from its statutory tasks and on the research plan of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMELshort forGerman Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture).

Download:Research agendaForschungsagenda des Bundesinstituts für Risikobewertung (PDF, 728 B, not accessible) (in German)

Publications

The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment publication series BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment-Wissenschaft and other publications can be found under Publications.

Co-operation

Besides its own research activities, BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment nurtures close contacts on the national and international levels through joint research projects and the exchange of scientific experience. Co-operation takes the form of institutional co-operation or joint research projects. 

The scientists at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment make an active contribution to the work of many bodies, but the institutional exchange of experts is also becoming increasingly important.

Main areas of research

BfR’s research activities focus on the main areas stipulated by the legislator:

  • Assessment of food and feed with regard to microbiological and chemical substance safety
  • Safety of substances (chemicals), safety of pesticides and biocides
  • Safety of consumer products (cosmetics, tobacco products, textiles, consumer items and food packaging)
  • Development, assessment and validation of alternatives to animal experiments
  • Risk communication
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Category Research field

Toxicology

Knowledge of the properties, mechanisms of action, functionality and pathogen-host relationships of microorganisms, viruses and substances is required for the health risk assessment.

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Category Research field

Microbiology

Validated analytical methods are urgently needed to control maximum levels. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is conducting research into new analytical methods.

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Category Research field

Analytics

Analytical methods must be developed to test for certain substances in food, feed and products, which guarantee the comparability of laboratories and analytical methods.

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Category Research field

ExposureExposureTo glossary assessment

The studies focus on data collection as a basis for risk analysis and for estimating exposure.

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Category Research field

Risk communication

The research projects on risk communication deal with questions of risk perception, early risk detection and risk impact assessment.

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Category Research field

Alternatives to animal testing

The documentation, evaluation, development and validation of alternative methods to animal testing is carried out with the aim of avoiding (replacement), reducing and refining animal testing (‘3R principle’).

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