Task of the ZEBET

ZEBET is the "Center for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternative Methods to Animal Experiments" at the BfR. It was founded in 1989 with the aim of limiting the use of animals for scientific purposes to the necessary extent and to develop alternatives to animal experiments.

The 3R principle for alternative methods

The goal of scientific animal protection is to be achieved by the 3R principle:

  • Replace - Avoid animal experiments by using alternative methods
  • Reduce - reduce the number of test animals to the minimum
  • Refine - reduction of the suffering of the experimental animals

The 3R principle was developed by William Russel and Rex Burch in 1959 (http://altweb.jhsph.edu/pubs/books/humane_exp/het-toc).

Development of alternative methods for animal experiments

ZEBET researches, develops and validates alternative methods according to the 3R principle in its own laboratory.

It has shown particular success with the development of alternative methods in the field

  • Of phototoxicity
  • Of toxicity to skin and eye
  • Of developmental toxicity using embryonic stem cells. This method investigates the potential of a substance to affect the growth and development of organisms.

Research funding and international cooperation

ZEBET works with national, international and supranational bodies such as the EU Commission, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This cooperation aims to scientifically evaluate alternative methods and to promote their recognition and implementation in laws and directives.

In addition, regular scientific events, including expert meetings, are being held to promote dialogue between scientists and academics from universities and industry, government representatives and animal welfare organizations.

Advice on scientific animal protection issues

ZEBET advises the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and other federal ministries as well as state authorities and the EU Commission.

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Das Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung

3R Principle

In 1959, British scientists William Russel and Rex Burch published the book “The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique” in which they defined  the 3R Principle, a framework for...

Development of alternative methods

As part of the German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), the ZEBET carries out innovative research for the development of alternative methods to animal experiments. This...

Advice to authorities on alternatives to animal experiments

Scientists of ZEBET answer questions put forward by public authorities, scientists, animal welfarists, industry and interested citizens around the topic of alternatives to animal experiments – on a national and international level.

Press releases

 (10)
Date Title Keywords
22.02.2021
08/2021
Using artificial intelligence to hunt for breast cancer alternative methods , animal testing , German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R)
29.10.2018
35/2018
Are substance mixtures in foods more dangerous than individual substances? research , research projects
20.12.2017
52/2017
New options for more animal welfare: deeper insight into animal tests promotes targeted development of alternative methods animal testing , Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternatives to Animal Experiments (ZEBET) , laboratory animals
09.12.2016
50/2016
BfR method for targeted genome data comparison of humans and animals receives research prize animal protection, animal testing , Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternatives to Animal Experiments (ZEBET) , laboratory animals
16.06.2016
21/2016
Fewer animal experiments due to optimal animal model selection animal testing , Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternatives to Animal Experiments (ZEBET) , laboratory animals
25.04.2016
14/2016
More research for more animal protection animal testing , laboratory animals , research
17.12.2015
39/2015
Alternative method to animal experiments used for testing Botulinum Neurotoxin-containing medical products animal testing , Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternatives to Animal Experiments (ZEBET) , laboratory animals
14.07.2015
18/2015
EuroMix: Better assessment of the health risks associated with mixtures of substances in food research , research projects
24.04.2015
11/2015
More research on the protection of test animals needed alternative methods , animal testing , Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternatives to Animal Experiments (ZEBET)
09.03.2015
07/2015
Database AnimalTestInfo: German initiative for more transparency in animal experiments alternative methods , Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternatives to Animal Experiments (ZEBET) , databases

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