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Transparency in animal research
Saarland University is committed to open communication about research involving animals and is a member of 'Initiative Transparente Tierversuche' – an initiative dedicated to promoting transparency in animal research. The initiative seeks to explain why animal use in research remains necessary in certain areas, the strict legal frameworks that apply, and the advances being made in developing and validating alternative approaches.
Despite progress with alternatives, the use of animals in some basic and applied research areas remains unavoidable. Researchers have a responsibility to weigh the anticipated scientific and medical benefits against any potential harm to the animals. Decisions to use animals in research are always subject to careful ethical review.
The university’s commitment to animal welfare is reflected in its systematic implementation of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement): replacing animal use with alternatives wherever possible, reducing the number of animals used, and continually refining procedures to enhance animal welfare. In Saarland, the Saar 3Rs Platform was established to share established methods and resources that support replacement, reduction and refinement.