IC-3Rs News

Abstract submission for the 2025 MPS World Summit in Brussels, Belgium is now open. The deadline for submission is Wednesday, January 15 at 11:59 PM ET. Submit your abstract by consulting this website.

Also the preliminary program for the MPS World Summit is now available online. The program this year will focus on new developments in microphysiological systems and their applications which are divided into four themes:

• Theme 1: MPS Development and Results Processing
• Theme 2: MPS for Biomedical Research and Disease Modelling
• Theme 3: MPS for Efficacy, ADME, and Toxicity Testing
• Theme 4: MPS for Industrial and Regulatory Testing

The detailed program can be found on

IC-3Rs was proud to be part of this fantastic initiative! Over 1600 science enthusiasts gathered at Muntpunt Brussel to explore the world of science from every angle. IC-3Rs had the opportunity to inspire both young children and their parents with a workshop on alternative methods, titled "Geniaal Gifvrij - Medicijnen testen zonder proefdieren." The astonished looks on the children's faces after performing the experiment were the spark that fuels their curiosity for science, perfectly capturing the essence of Socrates' famous words, "Wisdom begins in Wonder."

During the autumn holidays, IC-3Rs was invited to give a lecture on animal testing and the use of alternative methods in scientific research at the yearly autumn camp of Bekina VZW for gifted children (age 8-18). The numerous challenging questions posed by the children clearly illustrated their interest and enthusiasm to the topic. This lecture was rewarding for us, as the questions provoked interesting discussions among the scientist and the children.

In September, we took part in the TADA (Toekomst Atelier De L’Avenir) weekend schooling program. TADA coaches young people (ages 10-14) from vulnerable backgrounds in Brussels and broaden their horizons through a variety of guest lectures on Saturdays. As invited experts, we introduced the students to the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences with a workshop focused on animal-free, alternative methods for drug safety testing.

In 2021, Animal Welfare Flanders, in consultation with researchers and organisations, launched a project aimed at reducing animal testing in Flanders. Researchers provided information and insights on opportunities for reduction the number of laboratory animals during roundtable discussions and based on these discussions an action plan has been compiled. More than 20 different stakeholders from academia, industrial and governmental institutions proposed a concrete plan to reduce animal testing in their organization at the start of this project. The action plan has been finalized and a report on the progress of the actions described in the action plan has been published now. IC-3Rs had a prominent role in the realisation of the actions proposed by the VUB. The results and achievements of the action plan can be consulted via the report below.

You are kindly invited to submit your abstract for a poster presentation at the 7^th Annual IC-3Rs Symposium 2024. Posters will be displayed during the coffee and lunch break.

Abstract topics should focus on the 3Rs Principle in its broadest sense...

RE-Place is continuing its series of Educational Webinars aiming to promote the use and development of NAMs by putting the existing knowledge in the spotlight.

During this second Webinar of 2024, on the 28^th of March from 4 to 5 pm CET, Dr. Karolien Bijnens and Martijn Heleven from the University of Hasselt will present their work on the planarians as an alternative in vivo model to assess developmental, neuro- and genotoxicity. 

Participation is free of charge, but registration is mandatory. The webinars are accredited. Certificates of attendance will be available upon request.

IC-3Rs organizes a webinar series on the #4Rs (Replacement, Refinement, Reduction & Responsibility).  📆 Save the dates:
06/03: Join us for an enlightening session with Prof. Hugo Vankelecom, exploring human organoid models as alternatives to the traditional in vivo models with a specific focus on the reproductive system
17/04: Dr. Stéphanie De Vleeschauwer will clarify the severity classification in laboratory animal procedures offering invaluable insights into animal welfare enhancement
08/05: Dive into a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Stef Aerts on the role of researchers' responsibility in animal experimentation, emphasizing ethical practices
12/06: Concluding our webinar series, Prof. Sophie Hernot will illuminate the significance of retrospective analysis in driving future advancements and refining animal experiments

Ready to join our webinars? Secure your spot by filling out the registration form via link below, and you will receive access to each webinar a few days prior to the event.
We can't wait to see you there! 🐭

RE-Place is continuing its series of Educational Webinars aiming to promote the use and development of NAMs by putting the existing knowledge in the spotlight. During this first Webinar of 2024, on the 15^th of February from 4 to 5 pm CET, we will zoom in on the use of organoids in research and drug development. Prof. Dr. Christophe Deben (UAntwerp) will present his work on advancing High-Throughput Organoid Drug Screening: Automated Live-Cell Imaging and the Orbits Image and Data Analysis Pipeline, and Dr. Colinda Scheele (VIB-KU Leuven) will deep dive in breast organoids to study tissue development and the different steps of tumorigenesis.

All webinars are free of charge, but registration is mandatory