Call for tender 2026

Zwei Pokale in Stelenform
Copyright BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Regional Identity (BMLEH) is announcing the Animal Protection Research Prize in two categories for the year 2026. The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2026.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Regional Identity (BMLEH) is committed to improving animal welfare both nationally and internationally. The protection of laboratory animals is an important concern for the BMLEH. Therefore, the BMLEH supports measures taken by the German Center for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) to limit animal testing to the minimum necessary and to ensure the best possible protection for laboratory animals. To improve the protection of laboratory animals and promote 3R research aimed at replacing animal experiments with new methods and technologies (Replace), reducing the use of laboratory animals to the minimum necessary (Reduce), and minimizing the suffering of laboratory animals (Refine), the BMLEH is offering the Animal Protection Research Prize in two categories.

Prize categories

The Animal Protection Research Prize for outstanding research achievements based on the 3R principle

This prize category is presented to national and international scientists who, through their innovations, have had a major impact on the replacement or reduction of animal experiments or have developed methods in the interests of animal welfare that have significantly contributed to reducing the suffering of animals before, during and after an experiment. It is crucial that the methods or procedures are scientifically and/or technically innovative compared to established methods or represent a significant improvement on existing methods. The Animal Protection Research Prize for outstanding research achievements in accordance with the 3R principle is endowed with €100,000. Nominations are made by national 3R centres, heads or institute directors of national research institutions, or German animal welfare organisations that have defined the protection of laboratory animals as a priority area of their work (see details in the call).

External Link:To the nomination platform

The Animal Protection Research Prize for young scientists in 3R research

This prize is presented to one or more young scientists who have completed their doctorate within the last five years. It recognises innovative, forward-looking scientific theses or follow-up work that has had or is likely to have a significant impact on the field of 3R research. The work should contribute to the development of methods and procedures that can replace or reduce animal testing (Replace and Reduce) or improve the housing conditions of laboratory animals or reduce pain, suffering or harm in experiments (Refinement). A convincing concept for the continuation of the method or procedure must be presented. The prize category is endowed with up to €50,000. Participation is open to self-nominations as well as nominations by national 3R centres, directors or institute heads of national research institutions, or German animal welfare organisations that have defined the protection of laboratory animals as a priority area of their work (see details in the call).

External Link:To the application platform

Download application forms

Further information