Research Agenda
Background
The core competence of the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is independent, application-oriented and targeted research. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment research agenda is based on the needs in accordance with its statutory tasks and on the research plan of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMELshort forGerman Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture). The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment sees the assessment, the creation of expert opinions and research as a single entity.
Objectives of the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment research
The overarching aims of the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment's research are:
- to conduct independent, application-oriented and targeted research,
- competent advice to political decision-makers based on a high scientific standard and internationally recognised expertise,
- to guarantee the quality of assessments for licensing tasks,
- to strengthen competence in the network of European scientific authorities in the field of consumer health protection and the protection of laboratory animals,
- to ensure a high level of expertise for the exchange of ideas, concepts and the implementation of joint research projects at a national and international level,
- to analyse the risk perception of various stakeholders from the fields of science, business, politics, the media, associations, non-governmental organisations and consumer groups as a basis for developing and applying suitable participatory risk communication tools.
The research activities are carried out
- independently of political, economic and social interests,
- impartially,
- quality-assured,
- transparently,
- application-oriented and
- as the occasion demands
Experimental infrastructure
The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has a modern experimental infrastructure in the fields of instrumental analysis, microbial diagnostics, toxicology and food technology. These include a farm with animal husbandry and aquaculture, a facility for conducting experimental work on animals, and modern molecular and cell biology laboratories as well as analytical and protein biochemical laboratories for toxicological research and for the development of alternative and replacement methods to animal testing. The large and small animal laboratory can be used up to safety level S2/L2. Microbiological work is possible up to level L3. The laboratory infrastructure is continuously adapted to scientific developments and technical possibilities. The instrumental equipment enables cross-departmental and interdisciplinary investigations and assessments along the entire feed and food chain, as well as the chain of goods and products. The infrastructure also includes the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment reference and consiliary laboratories, which develop and validate modern sensitive detection methods. These are suitable for providing rapid and reliable results on the occurrence, spread and characterisation of pathogens, residues, contaminants and undesirable ingredients.
Digitalisation in research
To support the digitalisation process and the role of the BMELshort forGerman Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture as a digital reference ministry, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment and the Julius Kühn Institute Federal Research Institute for Cultivated Plants (JKIshort forJulius Kühn Institute) have signed an agreement to set up a ‘digitalisation laboratory for nutrition, agriculture and consumer health protection’ (Digilab-ELV). Digilab-ELV combines the capacities and expertise of current and future IT research and development activities of both institutes and will connect future research projects with a digitisation focus of both institutes.