Congratulations on this new DFG-funded Research Training Group, Christa! Can you tell us what it is about?
Thank you, yes! The project addresses a delicate but important area of biomedical research: the use of animal models (i.e. a non-human species used in biomedical research as it can mimic aspects of a biological process or disease found in humans) in the study of infectious diseases. Despite growing efforts to replace them, these models still play a role in understanding complex biological responses to infection. But instead of accepting that as a given, we’re asking ourselves, how can we do this better? Our aim is to recognize signs of stress and behavioral change in animals at much earlier stages, and we do this by using advanced behavioral observation, metabolic markers, and AI-assisted video analysis. The goal is to reduce discomfort and improve both scientific outcomes and animal welfare.
The question of animal-based research often raises emotions, and rightly so. Why is this type of research still part of scientific work today?
It’s an important question, and one we believe should be asked openly and repeatedly. In some areas of biomedical research, such as the study of infectious diseases, there are still complex biological questions that cannot yet be addressed without involving animal models. But this is not something we ever accept lightly. On the contrary: it reinforces our responsibility to approach such work with the greatest possible care and scrutiny.
That’s why the 3R principle — Replace, Reduce, Refine — is central to everything we do. We continuously explore and prioritize alternatives such as cell-based systems or computer models. Where animal models remain necessary, we focus on designing studies that meet the highest standards while being ethically responsible and as considerate as possible toward the animals’ wellbeing.
You’re also the official animal welfare officer at Freie Universität Berlin. What does that role involve?
It’s a role of both oversight and support. I advise researchers before any experiment begins about species-appropriate environments, gentle handling methods, and ethical safeguards. I review research proposals with a critical eye, ensure compliance with national and European law, and participate in approval processes with regulatory authorities. I also have the legal right to intervene or stop a study if animal welfare standards aren’t being met.
Beyond the formal side, I see this as a cultural task: promoting a “culture of care” in research institutions. That means creating systems where people don’t just follow rules, but internalize values.
You’re also an educator. What’s your approach to teaching about animal research?
I believe strongly in ethical literacy. It’s not enough to know how to handle an animal, you also have to understand why you’re doing it, and whether it’s justified. That’s why I teach courses on animal welfare, ethics, and law. One course that’s close to my heart is called “Of Pigs and People,” where we explore the many roles pigs play in science, agriculture, and society. It ends with a public panel discussion where students present their findings and engage with stakeholders. My goal is to train scientists who think critically and act responsibly.
How did your work at Science of Intelligence influence the idea behind the new Research Training Group?
It’s a direct link. At SCIoI, we bring together researchers from AI, robotics, biology, psychology, philosophy and more, and in those interdisciplinary conversations, I began to see entirely new possibilities. The idea of a synthetic-analytic loop, where behavior is observed, modeled, and continuously refined, changed the way I thought about how we interpret animal behavior in scientific settings. Could we apply that same approach to detect early, subtle changes in behavior that might indicate a shift in well-being? Could we make parts of the analysis more systematic and precise, without losing the necessary sensitivity? Those are exactly the kinds of questions we’re now building into the new Research Training Group.
SCIoI’s interdisciplinary setting helped me realize that animal welfare research doesn’t have to be reactive: it can be predictive. That’s a game-changer.
You’ve also spoken publicly about animal research. Why is transparency such a priority for you?
Because people have a right to understand what’s happening in their name. Animal research touches on real ethical concerns, and it’s vital that we engage with society, and not just with data, but with openness and empathy.
At a conference hosted by the European Animal Research Association, I argued for a proactive communication culture. We need to explain not just what we do, but why and how. If we want public trust, we have to earn it with honesty.
What does “good” animal research look like to you?
It’s never easy, and it shouldn’t be. Good research begins with asking whether the study is necessary at all. If the answer is yes, then every effort must be made to improve the conditions under which animals are studied. That includes using validated alternatives wherever possible, refining experimental protocols, and continuously reviewing what we do.
Science is about learning, and that includes learning how to be better caretakers of the animals we work with.
Finally, what do you hope the next generation of scientists will take from this training program?
That responsibility is part of what it means to be a scientist. I hope they’ll learn to combine curiosity with compassion, precision with reflection. And I hope they’ll see that better science and better ethics are not in conflict. They move forward together.
