Transparency & communication

Understanding animal experiments (Tierversuche verstehen)

The ‘Understanding Animal Experiments’ initiative (Tierversuche Verstehen) honours research institutions and scientific organisations that are committed to transparent and open communication and dialogue about animal experimentation and research involving the use of animal in an exemplary manner.

The DRFZ has received an award for:

In its justification for honouring the DRFZ, the initiative writes:

‘The DRFZ openly demonstrates the stress to which animals are exposed to in experiments on its detailed website on animal research. Questions such as ‘Why are the available alternative methods not sufficient to dispense with animal testing’ are also answered. (…) In order to better inform the public and participate in the debate on animal experiments, the DRFZ also takes part in events such as ‘Tierversuche im Gespräch’ (Animal experiments in dialogue) or ‘Leibniz debates’ (Leibniz debattiert). Here, questions such as whether animal experimentation is still necessary, what are the alternatives today and how should mice be handled are discussed with the general public.’

More information on the ‘ Excellent communication of animal research’ quality label

Animal research in dialogue

‘What if there was no more animal experimentation?’ Why are animal experiments still being carried out when there are so many alternative methods available today? How are the animals doing? Who actually benefits from such experiments? There is great public interest in these questions, but at the same time there are still many myths circulating on the subject of animal research. In this situation, first-hand information is needed, as well as an open discussion on equal footing.

This is why initiatives such as “Understanding Animal Experiments” (Tierversuche verstehen) and “Pro-Test Germany” (Pro-Test Deutschland) provide information about animal research based on scientific facts and assessments, as well as asking critical questions and promoting open dialog.