• Information campaign: The ESI uses QR codes to transparently educate the public.
• Misinformation refuted: Activists’ claims deemed baseless and dangerous.
• Essential research: Indispensable basic research to improve human lives.

Frankfurt am Main, July 6, 2024 - A coalition of various activist groups demonstrated today in front of the Ernst Strüngmann Institute. The large-scale campaign against the institute, its staff, and its research is based on deliberate misunderstandings, false information and blatant fake news.

“We categorically reject all these allegations!” says Prof. David Poeppel, Managing Director of the Ernst Strüngmann Institute. “The well-being of the animals is of the utmost priority for us. Our world-renowned researchers and highly qualified professionals work according to the highest ethical standards and are meticulously compliant with the law!”

Transparency and respect: informing the public

The Ernst Strüngmann Institute embodies transparency and respect in its work. “Recently, we have faced a large-scale campaign based on misunderstandings, false information and blatant fake news,” Prof. Poeppel explains. “We will not stand for this: If you stand outside the Ernst Strüngmann Institute today and in the coming days, you will see QR codes. These will lead you to a website that clearly explains what is being researched here and how the animals are truly treated. We regularly offer this level of transparency to school classes or other visitors, for example, during Girls’ Day.”

The Ernst Strüngmann Institute advocates and supports societal dialogue on animal research based on respect and factual information. Prof. David Poeppel states: “The attacks on the Ernst Strüngmann Institute reveal a fundamental ignorance, whether intentional or not, about the scientific, legal, and ethical standards we adhere to. They undermine trust in research that improves and saves millions of lives.”

Basic research essential for developing new methods of diagnosis and treatment

“The activists’ claims that we are conducting unnecessary and cruel animal experiments are completely unfounded,” emphasizes Prof. Wolf Singer, founding director of the Ernst Strüngmann Institute. “Our research on animals is crucial for understanding fundamental biological mechanisms and developing new diagnostic and treatment methods for serious diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.”

The Ernst Strüngmann Institute employs a wide range of scientific methods: computer simulations, non-invasive imaging techniques such as MRI, MEG, and EEG in humans, as well as organoids. Nevertheless, animal experiments remain indispensable, as many scientific questions can only be answered through invasive procedures on the intact brain. “Research on non-human primates is particularly important because these animals are very similar to humans in their biological and neurological structure. Without this research, we would not be able to develop effective therapies for neurological and psychiatric disorders,” Prof. Singer continues.

Strict ethical standards and legal regulations

Prof. David Poeppel highlights the stringent controls and ethical standards the institute adheres to: “Our work is conducted under the highest ethical and legal regulations. Animal experiments are only performed when no other methods are available to answer the research question.”

In recent weeks, the Ernst Strüngmann Institute has faced an increasing number of attacks that have moved beyond rational debate and endangered the safety of its staff. “Our scientists and professionals are subjected to personal threats and attacks that are not only inappropriate but also dangerous. These attacks sabotage our work and pose a serious threat to scientific progress,” explains Prof. Poeppel. “We stand firmly by our employees and will protect them during this challenging time.”

The current campaign against the Ernst Strüngmann Institute threatens not only the institute itself but also the scientific future of Germany. “If we hinder research here, these important works will move to countries with less stringent ethical standards, such as China,” warns Prof. Poeppel. “Germany must remain a leading location for scientific research, and for that, we need the full range of methods, including animal testing.”

The Ernst Strüngmann Institute stands for scientific excellence, ethical responsibility, and the tireless pursuit of improving human health. “We will not allow misinformation, fake news, and unjustified attacks to hinder our essential work. It is our duty to defend the truth and continue conducting research that improves and saves lives,” affirms Prof. Poeppel.

Further information can be found at: https://www.esi-frankfurt-presse.info

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