1. The “Alternatives to Animal Testing” funding program of the Federal Ministry of Education, Research and Space (BMFTR)

The aim of the BMFTR's current funding guidelines is to replace further animal testing with alternative methods in line with the 3R concept, to increase the attractiveness of the field of alternative methods to animal testing for researchers, and to strengthen the validation, utilization, and dissemination of alternative methods to animal testing that have already been developed. 

The application deadline is March 15.

Further information:
https://www.gesundheitsforschung-bmftr.de/de/13910.php

2. Federal Animal Welfare Research Award

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (BMLEH) has announced the Animal Welfare Research Award for 2026 in two categories:

a) for outstanding research achievements to national and international scientists who, through their innovations, have had a major impact on the replacement or reduction of animal experiments or have developed methods in the interests of animal welfare.

The prize money is €100,000.

Nominations can only be made by national 3R centers, directors or institute directors of national research institutions, or German animal welfare organizations that have defined the protection of laboratory animals as a key focus of their work.

Nominations for the award can be submitted until March 31 at:
foerderportal.bund.de/easyonline/re%ADflink.jsf?m=TSCHFP&b=PHFL&t=SKI

b) Animal Welfare Research Award for Young Scientists

This award is presented to one or more young scientists in Germany who have completed their doctorate within the last five years. It recognizes innovative, forward-looking scientific theses or follow-up work that has had or is expected to have a significant impact on the field of 3R research. 

Applicants may also nominate themselves.

The prize money is up to €50,000.

Click here to go to the application platform:
https://foerderportal.bund.de/easyonline/nutzungsbedingungen.jsf?redirectFrom=/easyonline/formularbearbeitung.jsf

Further information:
https://www.bf3r.de/angebote/foerderung/tierschutzforschungspreis/ausschreibung/#c27805

3. Research funding from the Foundation for the Promotion of Alternative and Complementary Methods to Reduce Animal Testing (set Foundation)

The set foundation supports a wide range of scientific projects that make a targeted and demonstrable contribution to reducing, avoiding, or improving animal testing. These include research projects for the development of alternative and complementary methods to animal testing, scientific communication and international activities related to the 3Rs, as well as training and education projects.

The application deadline is April 10, 2026. 

Further information:
https://www.stiftung-set.de/de/forschungsfoerderung