A two-week intensive course on laboratory animal science will be organized at the EMBL Monterotondo, in April 2013, run by Dr. Maria Kamber, who has organized 5 successful courses in Greece at the BSRC Alexander Fleming. The objective of this course is to present basic facts and principles that are essential for the humane use and care of animals and for the quality of research. The contents of the course are in line with recommendations of the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) regarding the training of the young scientists whose research involves the use of vertebrate animals.
This prestigious event is addressed to professionals from fields of Biomedical Science. Past participants include biologists, veterinarians, medical practitioners and pharmacologists from all across Europe, Asia and Africa. This is a revolutionary course within the scientific community as it awakes a new wave of consciousness regarding animal welfare and quality research. The vision is to train a new breed of scientists with acute awareness of what humane research actually means. It breaks with tradition in the fact that it trains participants not only in the passive acquisition of knowledge, but in the active process of critical thinking. The fundamental principle the course aims to promote is that the experimental outcome of research strongly depends on the humane treatment of the laboratory animals.
Upon the completion each participant is able to understand and perform humane use and care of laboratory animals, and clearly comprehend the vital principles for quality research. Successful participants are awarded a certificate, now a requirement according to the revised European Directive, which demonstrates competence in working with laboratory animals for research purposes.
This course is under evaluation for accreditation from FELASA Board.
This is a one day meeting on current best practice in the production of genetically altered mice, using conditional transgenic techniques. Topics will include:
* the technology of inducible and conditional systems
* examples of their use
* recombinases: whats available, limitations & how to test efficacy
* conditional allele resources
* breeding schemes
The meeting is being held in central London on Thursday 4th October 2012, and is limited to 100 places allocated on a first come first served basis. Registration (including lunch) will cost £60, so for more information or to book a place and get a registration form email GA@rspca.org.uk putting “conditional workshop” in the title field.