Questions and answers about the German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R)

Bf3R is the abbreviation for the “German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals”. The abbreviation Bf3R refers to the “3R” principle of scientific animal welfare, according to which the centre works:

• Replace: Replacement of animal experiments through the use of alternative methods
• Reduce: Reduction of the number of laboratory animals to a minimum
• Refine: Reduction in the suffering of laboratory animals

The German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) has the following tasks:

• Intensification of research into alternative methods
• Advising of authorities and research institutions
• Harmonisation of alternative methods at international level
• Research funding for alternative methods
• Informing the public and the scientific community

The German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) is an integral part of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment with three locations in Berlin. The Centre is therefore also subject to the management of the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment and its Presidium. The Bf3R is divided into the following five areas of competence:

1. Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternative Methods to Animal Experiments
2. Reduction of severity and improvement of animal welfare
3. Alternative methods in toxicology
4. National Committee
5. Coordination of the promotion of research on alternative methods

This Bf3R infographic provides an overview of the tasks and objectives of the individual areas of expertise: External Link:https://www.bf3r.de/cm/349/german-centre-for-the-protection-of-laborytory-animals-infographic.pdf

ZEBET (“the Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternative Methods to Animal Experiments”) is one of five areas of competence of the Bf3R. It was founded in 1989 with the aim of limiting the use of animals for scientific purposes to an absolute minimum and developing alternatives to animal experiments. ZEBET advises authorities on alternative methods. It provides information on alternative methods and develops new alternative methods.

When the Bf3R was launched in 2015, the centre received a one-off grant of 6 million euros from the Federal Ministry of Nutrition and Agriculture (BMELshort forGerman Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture) for initial equipment. The Bf3R also has annual funding of around 1.5 million euros at its disposal.