„Tierversuche verstehen“ is an initiative of the German academia, coordinated by the Alliance of Scientific Organizations in Germany. The Internet platform provides comprehensive, current and fact-based information about animal experiments in publicly funded research institutions. On the website www.tierversuche-verstehen.de and in social media, it offers information material, provides experts and allows interactive discussions. The initiative was created in close cooperation of scientists and communication professionals, aimed at the public and media and is understood as a further contribution of science to objectify the discussion about needs, benefits and alternatives to animal research.

Pro-Test Germany is a joint-venture of active junior researchers mostly in the period of their PhD. Most of them rely on animal experimentation for their research and now want to talk publicly about why such research is necessary, how it is done and how the animals are cared for during the experiments. They are active in many channels on the internet, namely facebook and twitter, and also maintain an own website.

Animal Research Info is a worldwide website that provides a large database on animal models in research. All information is profound and has been checked by scientists.

The "Basler Deklaration" is a statement of researchers who strive to implement highest ethical standards like the "Three Rs Principle" in biomedical research on animal models. The signatories commit themselves to actively support an open communicaton that strengthens the trust of the public. Stefan Treue, scientific director of the DPZ, was one of the first to sign the declaration.

Understanding Animal Research is a UK website that provides a lerge database on animal models in research. All information is profound and has been checked by scientists.

"Speaking of Research" is an advocacy group that provides information about the importance of animal research / animal testing in medical and veterinary science.

The DFG is the self-governing organisation for science and research in Germany. It serves all branches of science and the humanities. In organisational terms, the DFG is an association under private law. Its membership consists of German research universities, non-university research institutions, scientific associations and the Academies of Science and the Humanities.

The DFG receives the large majority of its funds from the states and the Federal Government, which are represented in all Grants Committees. At the same time, the voting system and procedural regulations guarantee science-driven decisions.

The scientists in the department "Physiology of cognitive processes" at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics want to understand how the brain works. To do this they employ a variety of electrophysiological, imaging and anatomical methods. Some of the behavioral experiments are carried out on humans and others on animals, primarily on non-human primates.

Although some of this research can be carried out using non-invasive methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, we can only understand the activity and function of complex neural networks by entering the brain itself.

The Bernstein Network "Computational Neuroscience" was established in Germany in 2004. Its core elements are the Bernstein Centers for Computational Neuroscience in Berlin, Freiburg, Göttingen, Heidelberg-Mannheim, Munich and Tübingen.

The new, highly dynamic research discipline of Computational Neuroscience combines biomedical experiments with theoretical models and thereby opens new avenues for scientific insights and technological applications. Together, mathematicians, physicists, biologists, psychologists, physicians and engineers identify principles of brain function and translate them into a mathematical representation. In the future, Computational Neuroscience will help to soothe the devastating effects of neurological diseases and aging.

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine is a major biomedical research institute located in the northeastern corner of Berlin, Germany. The MDC was founded in 1992 with a mission of translating discoveries from molecular research into applications to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of major human diseases.

The site in Berlin-Buch, home to hospital clinics, research institutes and a flourishing biotech industry, is fertile ground for interdisciplinary and patient-oriented research. As a testament to its success, the MDC has been ranked 14th in the Thompson Reuters list of the world's 20 best research institutes for molecular biology and genetics, based on our publication record.