Prof. Dr. Margareta Müller researches alternative models to animal testing at HFU. She now heads the new 3R Center, which has been accepted into the state's 3R research network.
Considerable competition and success - Furtwangen University becomes member of state “3R” research network
Furtwangen University is the only university of applied sciences in the state to be accepted as a centre in the Baden-Württemberg “3R Network”, in which high-ranking universities and research institutions join forces to advance research methods for greater animal welfare. “3R” stands for ‘Replacement’, ‘Reduction’ and ‘Refinement’ and is aimed at research results that contribute to the continuous improvement, reduction or avoidance of animal experiments.
“We don't conduct research on animals at HFU. But animal experiments are still an important building block in science,” says Prof. Dr. Margareta Müller, who teaches in the Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences at Furtwangen University. Before moving to HFU the renowned scientist conducted research at the German Cancer Research Center. At Furtwangen University, Prof. Dr. Müller can devote herself entirely to her special subject in research − investigating methods that can replace animal testing.
“For over 30 years, I have specialised in in-vitro models with which we can simulate tissue,” reports Müller. Artificially simulated bone substance, skin or blood vessels can be used, for example, in the testing of pharmaceuticals, for anti-tumour therapeutics or in the simulation of wound healing. She has dedicated her scientific life's work to replacement models for animal experiments − being accepted into the 3R network is the culmination of this achievement. “I was very moved and was happy as a kid in a candy store when I got the call,” says Müller. The concept that Professor Müller submitted, together with colleagues from HFU, impressed the Ministry of Science so much, it was judged to be the best application, with HFU receiving full funding of around €300,000. “To be honest, I didn't think that we had a chance as a university of applied sciences,” admits Müller − with such competitors as large universities and research institutes.
Furtwangen University's concept not only encompasses research activities, but is also interdisciplinary and includes a comprehensive teaching and transfer concept. “At HFU, we always incorporate our research methods directly into teaching,” explains Prof. Müller, “it is important that young academics develop expertise in 3R from the outset”. In addition, the concept includes further training modules for interested parties from research and industry as well as the establishment of consulting and service offerings, so that the center promotes the dissemination of 3R methods in scientific and industrial practice.
The “3R Development and Transfer Center for 3D Tissue Models in vitro and in silico” will be funded by the state for three years, after which the funding is to be made permanent. Other HFU professors, Prof. Dr. Knut Möller, Prof. Dr. Volker Hass and Prof. Dr. Matthias Kohl are also involved.
“It's fantastic and I am incredibly proud that we are now part of the state's 3R network,” says Dr. Alexandra Bormann, President of Furtwangen University. “This great success shows − we offer cutting-edge research here at the highest university level. And at the same time, application in industry. Research into the avoidance of animal testing is a major topic internationally. We in the Black Forest are now leading the way. My warmest congratulations to Professor Müller and her team! I am really moved − and now it's time to celebrate!”