Facts
Learn about how the set Foundation began, its members and its funding
Following an initiative by the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Forestry, the set Foundation was established on 21 March 1986. The abbreviation set stands for Stiftung zur Förderung von Ersatz- und Ergänzungsmethoden zur Einschränkung von Tierversuchen, - Foundation for the promotion of alternate and complementary methods to reduce animal experiments. Its approach was revolutionary, bringing together representatives from different groups for the common goal to reduce or avoid animal experiments:
Initial funding, of one million Deutsche Mark, came from the participating industrial groups. The funds for eligible research projects come from donations and from interest on the Foundation’s capital. Additionally the set Foundation receives annual financial support from the German Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity since 2010. The Foundation can look back on more than 80 successfully completed projects.
You can find details of the Foundation’s current research funding and information activities in our annual reports.
The set Foundation helps industry, animal welfare organisations, research bodies and government to co-ordinate their efforts and work together towards a common goal: The refinement, reduction, and replacement of animal experiments through the active development of 3Rs methods. Eligible projects aim to reduce the number of animals used and/or their distress as effectively and broadly as possible. The Foundation concentrates its support on three main areas of activity:
Scientific communication regarding alternative and complementary methods already available and in development.
Developing and implementing new 3Rs methods, particularly in areas where stressful animal experimentation is still necessary or where scientific routine impedes 3Rs methods.
Measures with the potential to extend the use of alternative and complementary methods in scientific research, such as implementing 3Rs methods in student training and further education.
In order to maximise their effect in the scientific and industrial environments, the set Foundation works to establish 3Rs methods with as many potential users as possible. Funding therefore extends beyond research projects, to publications, symposiums, training courses and workshops.
The Foundation’s representatives place particular emphasis on the personal and unbureaucratic exchange with applicants and their projects. The focus and target of the Foundation’s efforts is always the speedy and successful implementation of 3Rs methods – preferring efficiency over administrative red tape.
Organisation
The structure and organisation of the Foundation
Foundation Board
The foundation board is the Foundation’s governing body and decides on the research projects. Its eight members are drawn equally from the supporting institutions (two each from both animal welfare organisations, one each from the four industrial associations). The chair and the deputy chair alternate and also represent industry and animal rights’ associations.
Scientific Advisory Committee
The scientific advisory committee guides the Foundation on scientific issues; it also examines and reports on research projects submitted for funding. Research proposals meeting the Foundation’s requirements are then proposed to the foundation board. The members of the committee are recommended by the third body, the board of trustees and must be scientists who government and animal welfare organisations can trust. Other experts may participate in the evaluations of the committee on a case by case basis, depending on the project under scrutiny.
Board of Trustees
The board of trustees comprises representatives of various public institutions such as churches, unions, animal welfare organisations, state or federal ministries, industry, and the scientific community. Its task is to monitor and participate in topical discussion of conflicting interests between animal welfare, science and society itself, in order to foster a broad consensus of public opinion.
Representatives of the foundation
Meet the people in charge at the set Foundation
Management
Members of the Board
Dr. Joachim Coenen
Merck KGaA
Chairman of the Foundation Board
Kristina Wagner
Deutscher Tierschutzbund e.V. - Akademie für Tierschutz
Deputy Chair of the Foundation Board
Frank Gemmer
Industrieverband Agrar e.V.
Dr. Claudia Gerlach
Bundesverband Tierschutz e.V.
Dr. Christiane Hohensee
Bundesverband Tierschutz e.V.
Thomas Keiser
Industrieverband Körperpflege- und Waschmittel e.V.
Dr. Esther Müller
Deutscher Tierschutzbund e.V. - Akademie für Tierschutz
Ulrike Zimmer
Verband der Chemischen Industrie e.V. (VCI)
Members of the Scientific Advisory Board
Prof. Dr. Claus-Michael Lehr
Universität Saarbrücken, Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft
Chair of the Advisory Board
Dr. Heike Behrensdorf-Nicol
Paul-Ehrlich-Institut
Deputy chair of the advisory board
Prof. Dr. Marta Barenys-Espadaler
BfR
Dr. Philip Hewitt
Merck Healthcare KGaA
Dr. Doris Höschele
BfArM
Dr. Naveed Honarvar
BASF SE
Prof. Dr. Jens Kurreck
TU Berlin
Dr. Rolf Schreckenberg
Universität Gießen
Prof. Dr. Nicole Teusch
Universität Düsseldorf
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Dr. Nicole Schertl
BMLEH