Animal Experiments at the FLI

At the Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), scientists are investigating the biological basis of aging. Since aging is a process that affects the entire organism, many scientific questions can only be investigated using animal models. This makes the FLI one of 20 members of the Leibniz Association, that use animal experiments in their research (-> Animal experiments at Leibniz Association, LINK).

As with all experiments conducted in the FLI laboratories, experiments on animals have the aim of better understanding the biological processes that change with aging. These include changes in stem cell functionality, tissue homeostasis, regenerative capacity and the microbiome. Findings from such studies can lead to the development of new therapeutic options to improve human health in old age.

To gain insights into these biological processes, scientists at the FLI use mice (-> Animal Facility Mouse, LINK) and fish as model organisms (-> Animal Facility Fish, LINK). 

Scientific experiments

When researchers plan scientific experiments, they always first consider whether experiments with vertebrates are necessary or whether other methods are sufficient to answer the scientific question. 

They proceed according to the following system (see image):

• First step: Generating a hypothesis/scientific question
• Second step: Conducting scientific experiments using cell cultures (or other experimental methods)

Only if a hypothesis cannot be tested by experiments with cells or with the help of other methods such as computer simulation or studies on worms do researchers consider animal experiments with vertebrates.

3R principle & Compliance Management System

The performance of animal experiments is strictly regulated by the Animal Welfare Act and requires a multi-stage approval process. 

They are planned and carried out exclusively by persons who have the legally required knowledge and skills. These are primarily bio scientists and veterinarians, but also animal caretakers and laboratory technicians who have completed courses in laboratory animal science to obtain an officially recognized certificate of competence.

The scientists and their colleagues involved in these animal experiments are aware of their responsibility towards animals at all times. 

In order to avoid animal experiments (Replace), to minimize the number of animals in experiments (Reduce) and to improve animal welfare (Refine), they apply the 3R principle and thus commit themselves to always safeguarding animal welfare, even beyond the legal requirements.

In addition, animal husbandry and animal welfare at the FLI are subject to an internal Compliance Management Systems (CMS) (CMS at FLI, LINK) in which a compliance staff and experts ensure that all scientific procedures are carried out in accordance with the regulations.