The Refinement Reference Center

Funded by: German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR)

Funding period: 2025 - 2028

The Refinement Reference Centre (RRC) is intended to provide a sound scientific basis for the implementation of refinement in daily practice. Based on this, a practical housing concept with measurable benefits for animal welfare will be developed. By conducting various behavioural tests and assessing the immunological phenotype and immune resistance of the animals, the translational added value of this form of housing using current refinement strategies will be investigated in comparison to the current standard conditions and practical measures for improving animal welfare will be derived from this.

The aim of the Refinement Reference Centre is to demonstrate the practicability and reproducibility of refinement measures using practical examples and thus make a significant contribution to their broad application in animal husbandry and animal
experiments.