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.
Programm April bis Juli 2026
5th May, 2026 from 15:00 to 17:00 o'clock, online, in German
Speaker: Dr. Elisa Wistorf, Bf3R, Berlin
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: https://www.bf3r.de/ueber-das-bf3r/kompetenzbereiche/zebet/
July 07, 2026 from 15:00 to 17:00 o'clock, online, in German
Speaker: Dr. Katharina Hohlbaum, Bf3R, Berlin
Depending on how animals are handled, stress and anxiety can be triggered, impairing their well-being and influencing experimental results. Therefore, it is essential to make human-animal interactions as gentle as possible. For mice, the most commonly used laboratory animals, tunnel or cup handling has proven to be a gentler alternative to tail handling.
This presentation will begin by explaining tunnel and cup handling using videos and providing practical tips. Selected studies investigating the effects of these different handling methods will then be presented. Potential obstacles that should be discussed and addressed before implementation within your own animal facility will also be discussed. Generally, it is advisable to discuss the introduction of tunnel and/or cup handling with everyone involved in your animal facility to ensure that all colleagues are working together in accordance with the 3Rs (Reasons for Safeguarding, Handling, and Reducing Handling).
More inforamtion: https://www.bf3r.de/forschung/drittmittelprojekte/das-refinement-reference-center/
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: