Training and workshops: JRC Summer School on Non-Animal Approaches in Science

JRC Summer School on Non-Animal Approaches in Science

The JRC is excited to announce the fifth edition of its Summer School on Non-Animal Approaches in Science: Changing the paradigm, organised by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre and its EU Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing.

Event Details

Date: Monday 19 May 2025, 13:00 - Friday 23 May 2025, 15:16 (CEST)

Location: Joint Research Centre, Via E. Fermi, 2749, 21027 Ispra VA, Italy

Who should attend: Students and young scientists with interest in non-animal approaches

Languages: English

Why this summer school?

Non-animal approaches not only address the ethical aspects of using animals in science, but also offer huge advantages for conducting human and environmental relevant research and testing. This includes studying disease mechanisms, developing new therapies, or ensuring the safe and sustainable use of chemicals.

Cutting-edge technologies such as induced pluripotent stem cells, organ-on-chip, computational modelling, and artificial intelligence are being exploited for world-class science that benefits our society and supports sustainable development and innovation.

What's on offer for you?

Four and a half days of a highly engaging and interactive programme including:

• Lectures by experts in several key fields
• Round tables for discussion on hot topics
• A debate session powered by participants

There will also be plenty of opportunities to mingle and meet new people with similar interests.

The scientific programme will focus on complex in vitro methods and computational modelling used in biomedical research and regulatory applications. Participants will learn how results obtained from advanced non-animal models and methods can be applied in human medicine and toxicology testing.

Time will also be dedicated to exploring career development paths and the amazing opportunities that non-animal science can offer.

Participants are encouraged to do a flash presentation describing their own project or area of study related to the topics of the summer school.

Who can participate?

We are looking for enthusiastic students (Master or PhD) or early-career scientists (maximum 4 years after completing studies) with a strong interest in non-animal approaches working in relevant fields of research and application.

The maximum number of participants will be 120 .

Continuous presence during all summer school days is required to receive a certificate of attendance. Your presence during the whole summer school without interruption is important for the outcome of the event and for making travel sustainable.

Application Process

The application process opens on 5 November 2024 .

The link to the online application will be published on the webpage, and applications should be submitted by 15 January 2025 (Deadline extended to 20 January 2025 ).

The application includes sections for providing motivation to attend the summer school, as well as for the flash presentation abstract (maximum 250 words).

Selection Criteria

Participants will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Quality of the flash presentation abstract
• Clarity and relevance of the motivation to attend
• Priority will be given to applicants who did not attend previous editions (2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023)

Decisions on acceptance will be announced by email on 20 February 2025 .