84 / 112
Alternatives to
Animal Experiments
Scientific experiments with animals are conducted in all areas of
life sciences. In basic research in particular, they promote scientific
progress. For the toxicological testing of drugs and chemicals, for
example, German legislation requires that animal tests be substituted
by equally conclusive alternative methods wherever possible. The
requirement to replace animal experiments when and wherever
possible is firmly anchored in the German Animal Welfare Act. The
assessment and development of these alternative methods which
replace and supplement animal experiments constitute another im-
portant task of the BfR. In addition to meeting the legal requirements,
this also includes our own research work as well as supporting
external research projects in this field. Alongside this, the institute
is committed to improving the living and housing conditions of
laboratory animals.