Our research areas

The scientists at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment conduct research on issues related to toxicology, microbiology, analytics, exposureExposureTo glossary assessment and risk communication, and they research alternative methods to animal testing.

Task

The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment conducts its own research primarily in subject areas in which risk assessments are required or in which an acute need is seen in the context of consumer health protection. The data, methods and procedures generated are thus the basis for health risk assessment and policy advice based on the latest findings. The research also includes work of a non-experimental nature and is conducted with the aim of achieving scientific excellence and meeting international standards.

Research fields

  • Mikroskopaufnahme von Zellen.
    Copyright altitudevisual/AdobeStock

    Research in toxicology

    For its scientific risk assessment, the BfR requires knowledge about the properties, mechanisms of action and functionality of substances.

  • Hand trägt blauen Handschuh und hält Petrischle mit blau-gelber Kultur.
    Copyright Gorodenkoff/AdobeStock

    Research on microbiology

    The task of the BfR is to combat the spread of microbial risks in the food chain and to assess the health risk of contaminated food and feed. The fight against pathogens starts as early as possible: during food production and manufacturing.

  • Tablet mit Diagrammen wird von zwei Personen im weißen Kittel gehalten.
    Copyright metamorworks/AdobeStock

    Development of analytical methods

    The BfR develops methods for the standardised control of maximum levels.

  • Person liegt auf dem Rücken und wird mit einem Ultraschallgerät am Bauch untersucht.
    Copyright BY-_-BY_grading/AdobeStock

    Research on procuring data for exposure assessment

    Standardised, simple screening methods as well as modern statistical methods are needed to collect data and assess exposure. BfR develops these methods further in order to be able to give a realistic assessment of the risks with an acceptable degree of effort.

  • Gestikulierende Hände von zwei Personen, die im Gespräch sind.
    Copyright Svyatoslav_Lypynskyy/AdobeStock

    Research on risk communication

    Consumer health protection involves not only research and risk assessment but also risk communication. According to international standards, risk communication goes far beyond the mere transfer of information. Not only are actual risks important, but also how they are communicated in the media and how risks are subjectively perceived.

  • Hand in orangefarbenem Handschuh hält zwischen Daumen und Mittelfinger senkrecht einen Plastikchip. In einer runden Vertiefung befinden sich knochenbildende Zellen.
    Copyright Norman Ertych/BfR

    Alternative methods to animal testing

    The BfR conducts its own research with the aim of reducing animal experiments to the necessary minimum and ensuring the best possible protection for laboratory animals.

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Our newsletters

The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment offers you various newsletters in German and English.