Animal Research at the MPIMG
Basic biological and genetic research aims to elucidate the fundamental processes of life. This research is also fundamental to the development of new methods to diagnose and treat human diseases.
At the MPIMG, we use animal experiments to study fundamental processes of gene regulation during development, the emergence of disease, and evolution. These are employed only when such questions cannot be adequately answered through other methods. Before conducting animal research, we carefully assess whether our scientific questions can be investigated using alternative approaches, such as cell cultures or organ-like in vitro systems known as organoids.
We conduct animal research primarily on genetically modified mice. As mammals, mice share many fundamental biological similarities with humans. In addition, their genetic material can be precisely modified using modern genetic engineering methods. This allows us to study genetic processes underlying development, disease emergence, and evolution within the complex interplay of a complete organism and to relate these findings to humans.
Our animals are managed by qualified professionals. A team of specially trained animal care technicians and veterinarians ensures that all care meets current legal, veterinary, ethical, and scientific standards.
Animal research is subject to strict legal and ethical regulations. Every experiment must be scientifically justified and reviewed by the relevant authorities. Such experiments are approved only when no viable alternative methods are available. Furthermore, they are subject to both internal and external oversight mechanisms.
We adhere to the internationally recognized 3R principle: replacing animal experiments wherever possible (Replace), reducing the number of animals used (Reduce), and continuously minimizing any distress caused to animals (Refine). Accordingly, we support and utilize alternative methods – such as cell cultures, computer models, and organoid technologies – where scientifically viable.
From 2014 to 2024, we reduced the number of animal experiments by 44 percent.
We seek to foster an open and objective dialogue and to demonstrate how research and animal welfare are reconciled.
Responsibility and Compassion in Research Involving Laboratory Animals
Those of us who work with laboratory animals in biomedical research do not do so without compassion. On the contrary: our scientists view their work as a special responsibility toward the animals entrusted to their care.
In the daily routine of laboratory work, compassion for these animals is primarily shown through attentive care. Changes in an animal’s behavior or well-being are detected early to keep distress to a minimum. Good animal care serves not only the well-being of the animals but also the quality of the scientific results.
Most researchers hope that animal research can one day be completely replaced by suitable alternative methods. As long as this remains impossible for certain medical questions, we consider it our responsibility to treat every single animal with respect and to minimize its burden as much as possible.
Compassion and scientific research are therefore not mutually exclusive – they are an essential part of our responsible approach to biomedical research.