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Updates from the Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT)
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CAATwalk
November 20, 2018

News and Updates from CAAT

Contents:


Upcoming Events at CAAT



Keynote by Andrew Rowan, PhD: The Origins of CAAT and its Impact Over the Years: An Animal Advocate Viewpoint

Wednesday, November 28, 2018
4-5:30pm
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
615 N. Wolfe St.
Baltimore, MD 21205
Becton Dickinson Hall (W1020)
Reception Following

Dr. Rowan was the founder and first and longest-serving director of the Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy (1983-1997). His history with animal research issues dates back to a stint at FRAME (Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments) in London (1976-78). He continued his involvement at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), where he was vice president for animal research issues (1978-1982) and where he served as Chief Scientific Officer of HSUS and President and CEO of Humane Society International until his retirement last month.
 
Dr. Rowan will discuss the origins and evolution of CAAT and its continuing impact on scientific research and animal welfare.

The event is open to the public, but please register with Ruth Brady to attend. A reception will follow the talk at 5:30. 
 

Painting: Copyright © Anwen Keeling

Book Launch

Animal Experimentation: Working Towards a Paradigm Change

Friday, November 30th, 2018
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
615 N. Wolfe St.
Baltimore, MD 21205
Feinstone Hall (E2030)

Russell and Burch introduced the principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal experimentation in 1959 in their groundbreaking book, The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique (Russell and Burch, 1959). Their highest goal was to avoid the use of animals wherever possible, and—in cases where animals were still deemed indispensable—to significantly enhance their treatment while also improving the quality of research and testing. There is growing recognition that a focus on human-relevant data is needed for the understanding and possible treatment of chronic, complex diseases, many of which are not well understood and, thus, cannot be readily modeled in other animals. The technology revolution has greatly changed the field of life sciences and now provides us with tools enabling a shift away from animal experimentation. The 51 experts who contributed to Animal Experimentation: Working Towards a Paradigm Change review current animal use in science, present new and innovative non-animal approaches to address urgent scientific questions, and offer a roadmap towards the continuing replacement and eventual elimination of animals used in science as envisioned by Russell and Burch almost 60 years ago. 

CAAT's Assistant Scientist and Veterinarian Kathrin Herrmann is one of the book's editors. Thomas Hartung contributed the concluding chapter. 

At this book launch event, several of the mostly North America-based authors will give talks based on their book chapters. Please see the program (below) for details. 

Details and Registration





Thomas Hartung at Frontiers Forum 2018: No More Lab Rats? (Video)

Can animal testing be eliminated? Thomas Hartung examines the future of toxicity testing, including the use of big data and human in vitro models.

As part of his efforts to drive a paradigm shift in toxicity testing to improve public health, Thomas developed lab-grown “mini-brains” from human stem cells as an alternative to animal models for testing new drugs. His team also created the largest machine-readable toxicological database – allowing toxicity predictions by machine learning that outperform lab animals. 

Video (YouTube)

 


Next Generation Humane Science Award: Deadline December 31, 2018

This award is available annually to young scientists working in the U.S. to acknowledge and encourage researchers who focus on replacing animal experiments. The 2018 award will provide a prize of up to $9,000 recognizing the work of one young scientist, or may be shared among two or more young scientists. 

The deadline for applications is December 31, 2018

Details and Application Instructions
 



Call for Proposals: 2019 Science-based Refinement Awards

Attention veterinarians, animal care technicians, researchers, and those who care for the well-being of animals used in science: The Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) is now accepting proposals for the 2019 Science-Based Refinement Awards.

These awards focus on research projects to enhance the housing, handling, and/or experimental procedures for laboratory animals or that can reduce animal use by (for example) identifying areas of research and testing where animal models lack reproducibility and translational value. Hence, the small grants are intended for those who work hands-on with animals, such as animal welfare scientists, veterinarians, and animal care technicians, as well as for researchers who conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses of animal studies. 

For 2019, we will offer two awards of $5,000 each. There are no Facilities and Administrative Costs allowed on these awards.

Studies with animals must be non-invasive, with the possible exception of obtaining blood for biochemical measurements (and, in this case, animals should be trained to cooperate during venipuncture). Preference will be given to studies that have broad applicability.

Deadline for applications is December 31, 2018

Application and Full Information
 



Research Scientist Position at CCAAM (University of Windsor)

A research scientist position is available immediately in a multidisciplinary environment to develop human biology-based in vitro platforms for human disease modeling and toxicity testing. Areas of interest include cellular engineering, tissue engineering (including organoids and 3D bioprinting), synthetic biology, and in vitro toxicology. 

The successful candidate is expected to initiate independent and collaborative projects—experimental design and execution, data collection and interpretation, presenting data at national/international meetings, manuscript preparation, and grant writing. The candidate will have the opportunity to engage in other projects and interact with a diverse team of national and international academics, industry groups, and regulators. 

The candidate must have a Ph.D. in Molecular/Cellular Biology, Biomedical Engineering or related field and 4+ years of post-doctoral training in a field deemed highly relevant by the program. Ideal candidate must be a quick-learner able to design and execute new projects and protocols and multi-task experiments. Good laboratory technique, superior problem-solving, organizational, and exceptional communication skills are required. 

Demonstrated expertise in the following areas required:

  • Human somatic and induced pluripotent stem cells
  • 3D cell culture (histotypic & organotypic)
  • Tissue engineering (organoids, 3D bioprinting)
  • Strong background in molecular and cellular biology
  • Prior experience in organ-on-chip/microfluidics (preferred)
  • Industry experience (an advantage)
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

Salary commensurate with experience; includes benefits. 
The University of Windsor is committed to employment equity.

To apply for this position, please send your curriculum vitae with a cover letter, including the reasons for your interest in CCAAM and its vision to: ccaaminfo@uwindsor.ca
 



NC3Rs Prize and Survey on Laboratory Mice Handling

Every year the NC3Rs highlights outstanding and original research with a high 3Rs impact through its International 3Rs Prize. The 2018 competition is now open for applications.
 
This prestigious award is sponsored by GSK and consists of a £28k prize grant and a £2k personal award, to be presented in London in March 2019. Authors of papers published in the last three years, based anywhere in the world, are eligible to be nominated for the prize.
 
The deadline to apply is 4pm (GMT) on Wednesday 5 December 2018. For more information, please visit www.nc3rs.org.uk/3Rsprize.
 

Newcastle University Survey on Handling Laboratory Mice

As part of an NC3Rs award to Dr Johnny Roughan, researchers at Newcastle University would like to gather feedback from animal care professionals and researchers on the use of tunnels for picking up laboratory mice, and the possible obstacles or limitations users experience with tunnel handling compared to alternative handling methods.

If you work with laboratory mice, please consider completing this survey, which should take no more than 15 minutes.

To take the survey go here: [https://newcastle.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/laboratory-mouse-handling-2]




More information: http://wc11maastricht.org/

 

Best wishes from all of us,

The CAAT Team
     
hand holding centrifuge tubes

Upcoming Events

 
FEATURED
Keynote: Andrew Rowan, PhD: The Origins of CAAT and its Impact Over the Years: An Animal Advocate Viewpoint
November 28, 2018
Baltimore
See description in this edition of CAATwalk

Book Launch: Animal Experimentation: Working Towards a Paradigm Change
November 30, 2018
Baltimore

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