Animal Welfare
Our research is closely linked to ethical considerations and regulatory requirements to ensure animal welfare. Before an animal experiment is carried out, the expected gain in knowledge is always considered in relation to the expected harm to the animal. At the same time the burden on the animal must be kept as low as possible. Only then can an animal experiment be considered “ethically justifiable”. These regulations, together with our internal standards and our commitment to the 4Rs principle, guide our actions and ensure the high quality and accountability of our research.
The Law
More than almost any other area of animal husbandry and use, animal research in Germany is subject to strict regulations (Animal Welfare Act, Ordinance on the Protection of Laboratory Animals, Ordinance on the Reporting of Laboratory Animals, Directive 2010/63/EU). Any animal experiment involving a vertebrate or cephalopod is subject to authorisation. In each individual case, the authorities review whether the animal experiment is indispensable and ethically justifiable and whether the desired results could be obtained by other means. Both animal husbandry and animal experiments require prior approval from the competent authority.
4R
In order to reconcile high ethical standards and scientific progress, animal experiments and husbandry follow the so-called 3Rs principle. "Replace" means to replace animal experiments with alternative methods whenever possible. "Reduce" means to minimize the number of animals used in experiments. "Refine" means improving methods and husbandry conditions to reduce the potential burden on the laboratory animals. In its White Paper, the Max Planck Society has further committed itself to the responsible treatment of animals, "Responsibility", the fourth R. Animal husbandry, breeding and research are always carried out in accordance with the "Best Practice Standards" and the 4R principles of the MPG.
Animal Welfare Officer
The main role of the Animal Welfare Officer is to ensure animal welfare and high welfare standards at our institute. The Animal Welfare Officer is therefore not bound by direct instructions and acts as an intermediary between the authorities, those conducting the experiments, and those involved in the care or treatment of laboratory animals. Our Animal Welfare Officer is actively involved every day: she provides advice and support from the initial planning phase, through the preparation of the protocol application, to the actual conduct of animal experiments. In addition, she is responsible for local oversight of animal research and animal care to ensure optimal conditions throughout the Institute.
Animal Welfare Body
The Animal Welfare Body is an independent internal committee that advises scientists and staff on animal welfare issues and assists the Animal Welfare Officer. It consists of animal caretakers, various scientists, technical assistants, biologists, and veterinarians. The establishment of an Animal Welfare Body is a legal requirement in institutions that perform animal experiments. The Animal Welfare Body meets regularly to discuss current issues at the Institute and to provide support, in particular with regard to communication and the implementation of the 4Rs.
Regulatory Oversight
The authority responsible for our permits and oversight is the Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt (Darmstadt Regional Council). Our facility undergoes regular unannounced inspections of animal experiments and husbandry. The official veterinarians conduct a detailed review of every application for approval to carry out animal experiments. They are assisted by a voluntary and independent committee of experts ("Animal Welfare Commission").