"Progress in biological and medical research is based to a large extent on animal experiments. Although the development of alternative methods is constantly progressing, current research is also inconceivable without the use of animal experiments." (Leopoldina statement, 2012).

Many research successes at the MHH are also based on animal experiments. In order to ensure the highest possible animal welfare and quality standards (3R principle), the MHH created a central animal facility and a chair for this subject at an early stage. As a result, Hannover has established itself as one of the few locations where competitive research is carried out in the field of laboratory animal science and from which impulses for this subject emanate.

The Institute of Laboratory Animal Science and Central Animal Laboratory, one of the largest and most complex facilities or Institutions for laboratory animal science in Europe, are closely interlinked and are managed by the same staff.

At the MHH we offer a center for

• animal welfareensured by the Animal Welfare Officer and his deputies as well as all veterinarians and animal keepers;
  
• Standardization, achieved through highly standardizedanimal husbandry and laboratories for genetic and microbiological monitoring, experimental reproductive biology and anaesthesiology;
  
• Phenotyping, in particular through Experimental Pathology and the Small Animal Imaging Center;
  
• Education and trainingof students, biology laboratory technicians, animal caretakers, veterinarians, European Specialists (EBVS) and specialist scientists;
  
• Researchin particular by linking basic research with laboratory animal science topics.