Bf3R Insights is an online seminar series from the German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) with the aim of introducing the centre's diverse work topics to a wide range of interested parties. You can register for individual or multiple seminars free of charge. Please use the registration form on the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment Academy website: External Link:bfr-akademie.de
The seminars are recognized for the required continuing education to maintain (not acquire) the expertise required under Section 3 Paragraph 2 of the Animal Welfare Ordinance on Experimental Animals (TierSchVersV). Registered participants will receive an electronic certificate of attendance following each seminar. It is the responsibility of the participants to ensure that the seminars they attend are relevant to their personal research focus and therefore suitable for their individual continuing education.
Seminars in English will be announced separately.
Programme October 2026 until March 2027
Date: November 10th, 2026, 3:00–5:00 p.m. (CET), online
Title: Gentle Handling of Mice: Tunnel and Cup Handling
Language: German
Speaker: Dr. Katharina Hohlbaum, Bf3R
Depending on how animals are handled, this can trigger stress and anxiety, which impairs the animals’ well-being and also influences experimental results. Therefore, it is necessary to make human-animal interactions as gentle as possible. In mice, the most commonly used laboratory animals, tunnel or cup handling has proven to be a gentler alternative to tail-gripping.
In this presentation, tunnel and cup handling will first be explained using videos, and tips for practical implementation will be provided. Subsequently, selected studies investigating the effects of the various handling methods will be presented. Potential hurdles that should be discussed and overcome before implementation within one’s own animal facility will also be addressed. In general, it seems advisable to discuss the introduction of tunnel and/or cup handling with all staff members at one’s own animal facility so that all colleagues can work together in accordance with the 3Rs.
Registration: External Link:https://www.bfr-akademie.de/deutsch/veranstaltungen/bf3r-insights-26-27.html
Date: December 15, 2026, 3:00–5:00 p.m. (CET), online
Title: Number of Laboratory Animals in Germany
Language: German
Speaker: Dr. Philipp Schwedhelm, Bf3R
In Germany, approximately 1.95 million animals were used in 2024 either for animal testing or for euthanasia for scientific purposes. In addition, approximately 1.1 million laboratory animals were euthanized for other reasons. These figures are taken from the annual laboratory animal statistics compiled and published by the German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), which is part of the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.
According to these statistics, the numbers have declined steadily since the 2019 reporting year in nearly all areas where laboratory animals are used. The number of animals not used in experiments but killed has more than halved since the statistics were first published in 2021. However, the decline also affects basic research, which accounts for the largest number of animals used, particularly genetically modified mice.
The presentation will discuss these trends based on the most recent reporting data. Particular attention will be given to developments that may indicate current characteristics of the German research landscape. Long-term transformation processes in biomedical research in Germany—such as the increased use of alternative methods to animal testing, as well as refinement measures that help reduce the distress caused to animals—will also be discussed.
Registrierung: External Link:https://www.bfr-akademie.de/deutsch/veranstaltungen/bf3r-insights-26-27.html
Date: January 05, 2027, 3:00–5:00 p.m. (CET), online
Title: UPDATE 2027: Artificial Intelligence in Literature Reviews on Alternative Methods
Language: German
Speaker: Dr. Daniel Butzke, Bf3R
When planning and applying for permits for animal experiments, it is essential to review the current state of knowledge for possible alternative methods (§ 7a German Animal Welfare Act). This webinar will present current techniques available for such searches. The focus is on semantic search and retrieval-augmented generation, which incorporates artificial intelligence. All sample searches will be conducted using free search platforms, making them reproducible for all participants using their own examples.
Registrierung: External Link:https://www.bfr-akademie.de/deutsch/veranstaltungen/bf3r-insights-26-27.html
Date: March 2nd, 2027, 3:00–5:00 p.m. (CET), online
Title: Validation of NAMs – What Is Needed to Achieve Regulatory Approval?
Language: German
Speaker: Dr. Sophie Regal, Bf3R
Validation is a crucial step in transitioning New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) from scientific development to reliable and regulatory-approved applications. It enables the systematic assessment of the reliability and relevance of new test methods, thereby laying an important foundation for their acceptance.
The presentation will begin with a brief overview of the fundamental principles and requirements for validation. It will then use the example of the Bf3R-VALIDITIE validation center—currently under development at Bf3R—to present the structures and support services necessary for the successful validation of NAMs. The focus is particularly on scientific and technical consulting, planning, coordination, and execution of validation studies; standardized documentation and quality management; the selection of suitable test chemicals; and submission to the OECD Test Guidelines Program.
Drawing on existing experience, the presentation explains the challenges involved in validating NAMs and how a specialized validation center can help address these challenges and support the establishment of new, animal-free methods.
Registrierung: External Link:https://www.bfr-akademie.de/deutsch/veranstaltungen/bf3r-insights-26-27.html
Recent Bf3R Insights seminars
Speaker: PDshort foroutside lecturer Dr. Bettina Bert, Bf3R - Head of Unit „Animal Welfare, Knowledge Transfer and National Committee” at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
Recording of the seminar fom October 7th, 2025 on YouTube: External Link:https://youtu.be/2TuIJRHVMPQ
To open the online seminar series Bf3R Insights, Dr. Bert presents the German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) and its tasks.
Further information:
Speaker: Dr. Céline Heinl, Bf3R
The Recording of the seminar from October 7th, 2025 in German language you can find on YouTube: External Link:https://youtu.be/3eVyye1KicU
Abstract
Preregistration, in which a study plan is registered before its implementation, promotes transparency and robustness and avoids unwanted duplication of studies. Preregistration has been common practice in clinical research for many years and is now gaining increasing importance in animal research. Preregistration supports individual researchers in experimental planning and improves the overall quality of the research area.
The animalstudyregistry.org platform simplifies the preregistration process by making it accessible, flexible, fast, and secure. In this seminar, you will learn more about the numerous benefits of preregistration and receive practical tips for using animalstudyregistry.org.
Further information:
External Link:https://www.animalstudyregistry.org/asr_web/index.action
https://www.bf3r.de/angebote/fuer-wissenschaftlerinnen-und-wissenschaftlter/animalstudyregistryorg/
Speaker: PDshort foroutside lecturer Dr. Bettina Bert, Bf3R - Head of Unit „Animal Welfare, Knowledge Transfer and National Committee“
The recording of the seminar from November 4th, 2025 in German language you can find on YouTube: External Link:https://youtu.be/1uTwu9QbqhY
Abstract
Since 2013, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) has performed the tasks of the National Committee for the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes (National Committee for short). Its tasks include advising competent authorities and animal welfare bodies on issues relating to the acquisition, breeding, housing, care and use of animals. The National Committee ensures that an exchange of best practice takes place in Germany in this regard and exchanges information within the European Union on the functioning of animal welfare committees, project evaluation and best practice.
The lecture will present the structure and working methods as well as current topics of the National Committee.
Further information:
Speaker: Dr. Philipp Schwedhelm, Bf3R, Berlin
The recording of the seminar from February 3rd, 2026 in German language you can find on YouTube: External Link:https://youtu.be/g_Sd_afgTCY
Abstract
Auf AnimalTestInfo werden seit November 2013 nichttechnische Projektzusammenfassungen (kurz: NTP) genehmigter Tierversuchsvorhaben in Deutschland veröffentlicht. Antragstellende sind verpflichtet, dem Antrag auf Genehmigung eines Tierversuchsvorhabens eine allgemein verständliche Zusammenfassung ihres Vorhabens beizufügen. Seit 2015 können NTPs digital erstellt und für die Veröffentlichung freigegeben werden. Gemäß gesetzlicher Vorgabe obliegt dem BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment die Aufgabe der Veröffentlichung der NTPs und die Meldung dieser an die zentrale Datenbank der EU-Kommission (ALURES).
Im Vortrag wird dargestellt, wie Sie bei der Erstellung einer NTP und deren Änderungen vorgehen. Außerdem gibt es praktische Hinweise zur Verfassung einer allgemein verständlichen NTP inklusive der vorteilhaften Effekte, die eine gut geschriebene NTP nach sich zieht.
Since November 2013, AnimalTestInfo has published non-technical project summaries (NTPs) of approved animal testing projects in Germany. Applicants are required to include a generally understandable summary of their project with their application for approval. Since 2015, NTPs can be digitally created and released for publication. According to legal requirements, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) is responsible for publishing the NTPs and reporting them to the EU Commission's central database (ALURES).
This presentation will demonstrate how to create an NTP and how to amend it. It will also provide practical guidance on writing a generally understandable NTP, including the beneficial effects of a well-written one.
Further information:
Speaker: Dr. Kai Diederich, Bf3R, Berlin
The recording of the seminar from March 3rd, 2026 in German language you can find on YouTube: External Link:https://youtu.be/SgyANqWSvPU
Abstract
Translational biomedical research relies heavily on animal experiments, providing essential preclinical evidence for subsequent clinical trials. This dependency imposes a heightened responsibility on translational researchers to maximize the value derived from each experiment. The adoption of Open Science practices has the potential to transform research culture by enhancing transparency, methodological rigor, and the overall quality of translational studies, while also increasing the reach and scientific impact of published findings. However, despite its prominence as a buzzword within the scientific community, Open Science often falls short in practical implementation.
The Open Science Toolbox serves as a comprehensive guide to Open Science practices applicable throughout the research process—from study design and data collection to analysis, publication, and dissemination. It supports researchers in improving the transparency and quality of their work. Given the dynamic nature of Open Science, the toolbox is continuously updated to reflect evolving best practices.
Speaker: Dr. Daniel Butzke, Bf3R, Berlin
The presentation from April 14th, 2026 was not recorded.
Abstract
When planning and applying for permits for animal experiments, it is essential to review the current state of knowledge for possible alternative methods (§ 7a German Animal Welfare Act). This webinar will present current techniques available for such searches. All sample searches will be conducted using free search platforms (PubMed, SMAFIRA), making them reproducible for all participants using their own examples.
Further information:
On 05.05.2026 from 15:00 to 17:00 Uhr, online
Speaker: Dr. Elisa Wistorf, Bf3R, Berlin
You will find the recording of the contribution from May 5, 2026, soon on YouTube.
The ZEBET (Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternatives to Animal Experiments) at the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment advises competent authorities on alternative methods to animal experiments under Section 46 of the German Animal Welfare Laboratory Animal Ordinance (TierSchVersV). Based on experiences from recent years, the presentation outlines how the advisory process is carried out in practice, which aspects are typically evaluated, and what authorities can expect from this support. In addition, current developments in the scientific landscape will be highlighted, including the increasing availability of innovative in vitro models such as organoid systems, which increasingly influence the assessment of animal experiment applications. Another focus of the talk is on frequently observed challenges in applications and on opportunities to improve their preparation. The aim is to provide a better understanding of the advisory process, offer transparency about Bf3R’s working approach, and provide guidance for a high-quality search for alternative methods.
More Information:
Speaker: Dr. Céline Heinl, Bf3R, Berlin
You will find the recording of the contribution from October13, 2026, soon on YouTube.
Abstract
The number of approved animal experiments in Germany has been steadily declining in recent years. One reason often cited for this decline is the approval process, which is perceived as cumbersome, and the resulting shift of research projects abroad. Two nationwide online surveys—one among researchers and one among regulatory agencies—conducted in early 2026 assessed the current sentiment and examined possible causes for the decline. The surveys were also intended to identify opportunities for improvement.
The results reveal widespread dissatisfaction among researchers with the bureaucratic burden and long processing times. A significant proportion of researchers had already been involved in animal testing projects abroad, often motivated by time savings and fewer administrative hurdles. Authorities also view the lengthy approval process—as well as the quality of animal research applications—critically. Nearly all participants, both among researchers and among licensing authorities, see a need for reform.
The presentation outlines the key findings of the surveys and highlights potential improvements designed to strengthen Switzerland as a research hub without compromising animal welfare.