Research involving animals

Scientific research is linked in many areas with animal experimentation, especially where complex interactions in the whole organism are investigated and no animal-free methods are (yet) available. In the ethical treatment of laboratory animals, the 3R principle (replace - reduce - refine) is of particular importance at the University of Fribourg.

VISION

A glimmer of hope for age-related vision loss

Age-related macular degeneration is one of the main causes of vision loss after 50 in industrialized countries. Scientists from the University of Fribourg have shown in two recent studies that this process…

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MEDICINE

When the immune system says “Stop”

Only 20–40% of cancer patients show a durable response to immunotherapy. A major reason is immune exhaustion: when immune defenses are mobilized too long, they lose effectiveness. Researchers at the University…

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ANTIBIOTICS

Resistance genes that boost the pathogenic potential of bacteria

Resistance to antibiotics leads to nearly one million deaths worldwide each year. Combating that resistance is naturally a global health priority. Scientists from the University of Fribourg, with help…

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At the University of Fribourg, research is currently conducted on the following categories of animals:

Animal Welfare Office

Our Animal Welfare Officers promote the 3R principle in all areas of laboratory animal science. They support the scientists, provide guidelines and internal controls.

Annual reports on animal research

Report 2024

Report 2023

Report 2022

Policy statement

The University of Fribourg is committed to quality and excellence in biomedical research based on animal experiments. To this end, it establishes a culture of care dedicated to human and animal welfare and is committed to transparency and education in its animal experimentation activities.

Research Groups

Learn more about the research groups that are involved in animal research.

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