Satellite Events
Satellite Events Expanding Horizons Through Focused Dialogue
Interested in organizing a Satellite Event during WC13?
Please contact us at wc13@klinkhamergroup.com.
Costs start from $2,000, depending on your specific requirements.
Saturday 30 August 2025
International Conference on Alternatives and Simulation in Education
09:00-17:00 - RIO CENTRO (ROOM TBD)
The International Conference on Alternatives and Simulation in Education will foreground education through the use of humane tools and approaches (alternatives), particularly in higher education for biology, medical and veterinary medical students. It will focus on ethical innovations for acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes in practical classes across the disciplines, with an emphasis on replacement of harmful animal use and implementation already achieved. The event will feature oral presentations (including lightning talks); an interactive exhibition with hands-on demonstrations; and workshops, panel discussions and a round table. There will also be limited content on continuing education in the clinical field, on training in Non-Animal Methods (NAMs), and on ethical career pathways in humane science. The event will not address training in laboratory animal science (LAS). Contributions from invited speakers and via an open call will be reviewed by a scientific committee. The limited hybrid format and language translation will optimise accessibility. Abstract publication and CPD accreditation are anticipated, so as to enhance professional value and impact.
Organised by: InterNICHE, CAAT & CPBT
Planning partners: RedEH, Fórum Animal & DAAE
Additional and supporting partners: CONCEA, TPI Utrecht, LSCV, RSPCA & Global Education Hub for animal-free innovation
Supported by:
InterNICHE, CAAT & CPBT
* REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS REQUIRED
Sunday 31 August 2025
New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for Evaluation of Agrochemical Formulations
13:30-15:00 - RIO CENTRO (ROOM TBD)
In this section, three lectures will be presented, each focusing on different aspects of alternative methods for evaluating the skin sensitization (e.g. OECD TG 442C, TG 442D, TG 442E, and GHS threshold approach), and irritation potential (e.g. OECD TG 431, TG 439, and GHS threshold approach) of agrochemical formulations. These lectures aim to highlight the potential and limitations of non-animal testing methods, as well the lack of suitability/validation of NAMs for agrochemical formulations and regulatory acceptance in different countries. The main goal is to encourage further validation and wider adoption in regulatory frameworks, ultimately leading to a decrease in the use of animal testing for registration purposes in the agrochemical industry.
Topic(s): Decrease in the use of animal testing for registration purposes in the agrochemical industry
Organized by:
Chair
- Susanne Kole, BASF and CropLife Brasil WG member
Invited Speakers
- Marco Corvaro (Corteva): Experience with Skin Sensitization NAMs for Agrochemical Formulations
- Kristie Sullivan (Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc.): Experience with Skin Irritation NAMs for Agrochemical Formulations
- Caio de Almeida (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency - ANVISA): Brazil’s regulatory experience
Sunday 31 August 2025
Next-Gen Advanced In Vitro Models for NAMs
11:30-13:30 - RIO CENTRO (ROOM TBD)
This symposium will explore how emerging New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) contribute to reducing animal use and transforming chemical hazard assessment and human exposure studies, aligning with the principles of the 3Rs. Biological models are essential in biomedical and pharmaceutical research to elucidate molecular functions and disease mechanisms. Recent advancements in tissue engineering and stem cell research have blurred the line between traditional in vitro models and complex animal systems.
This session will showcase cutting-edge in vitro innovations, such as organoids (miniaturized tissue models that mimic organ structure and function) and organ-on-chip systems (devices replicating organ microenvironments to enable dynamic, human-relevant drug testing). These models provide precise and human-centered insights into toxicological responses that were previously assessable only through animal testing. Such advances herald a new era in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, minimizing animal experimentation. A focus will be placed on cell counting methodologies, a key element in these new models, particularly for cells in suspension and within 3D structures. Given the structural complexities of 3D models and the need for reliable, reproducible results, we will address how cell counting techniques influence data accuracy in toxicity studies.
Additionally, we will discuss high-throughput, scalable testing approaches incorporating microfluidics and multi-omics, which enable high-fidelity toxicological evaluations while reducing ethical and environmental impacts. Emphasis will be placed on the standardization and harmonization of these methodologies across sectors to ensure data reliability, regulatory compliance, and public health safeguards. The symposium will bring together academia, industry representatives, metrological agencies, and policymakers in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Through international and interdisciplinary participation, we aim to foster dialogue on the technical, ethical, and regulatory requirements for the broader adoption of NAMs, advancing the field through collaboration and innovation.
Topic(s): Human Health
Supported by:
Chair
- José Mauro Granjeiro, National Institute of Metrology Quality and Technology
Co-Chair
- Ana Ribeiro, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory
(Nanosafety Group, INL)
Invited Speakers
- José Granjeiro (INMETRO): Impact of ISO 20391 Standards on Accurate Cell
Counting in Suspension - Ana Ribeiro (INL): Skin-on-chip models for toxicology
- Camila Gonçalves Moreira (Anvisa): 3D cell culture unders regurlatory perspective
- Ibolya E Kepiro (NPL, UK): Advances in 3D cell counting
- Leandra Baptista (Gcell Startup): Spheroids and organoids as NAMs
- Rodrigo De Vecchi (L’Oreal): Reconstructed Human Skin models
Sunday 31 August 2025
Workshop: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical and Toxicological Studies
10:00-13:00 - RIO CENTRO (ROOM TBD)
Summary
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are transparent and reproducible studies to objectively synthesise and interpret scientific data. These methods support a shift toward evidence-based, ethically sound practices across non-clinical health research fields such as toxicology, neuroscience, and pharmacology. Evidence from systematic reviews can directly inform 3Rs-related experimental decisions to focus and prioritise future animal experiments, from husbandry to modelling to outcome testing, or to utilise new approach methods (NAM). They involve systematically identifying all published literature answering a specific research question, critically appraising the evidence, and synthesising the results qualitatively or quantitatively (via meta-analysis). They enable scientists to identify what is currently known, assess the reliability of the evidence, and identify gaps where future research is needed. Systematic reviews are considered an animal-free innovation, as they generate new results and insights without requiring additional animal studies, extracting more value from existing data. They can help prevent unnecessary duplication by comprehensively determining when research questions have been already answered. This workshop offers participants an entry point to the topic of systematic review and meta-analysis of non-clinical studies. Through an overview of the methodology, practical examples, and hands-on activities, participants will be introduced to the key steps involved in conducting systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies. This workshop intended as a starting point for further learning and skill development in systematic review techniques. Attendees will receive a “toolbox” of useful virtual, open access resources to support continued exploration of the topic.
Workshop Learning Objectives:
- Define the purpose and key principles of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in the context of preclinical and toxicological studies.
- Recognise the major steps involved in planning and conducting a systematic review of preclinical and toxicological research.
- Evaluate the quality, risk of bias, and transparency of preclinical and toxicological studies using established tools.
- Identify opportunities to publish and disseminate systematic reviews of preclinical and toxicological studies
- Access and use key virtual, open access tools to support the systematic review process.
Program: (4 sessions, 35-45 minutes each, attendees may follow presentations resources using their cell phones (internet required).
Topic(s): Alternative Methods
Organized by:
CAMARADES Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (Berlin, Germany), EBCT, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (Baltimore, USA), CAMARADES Brasil, Federal University of Santa Catarina (Florianópolis, Brazil)
Chair
- Professor Cilene Lino de Oliveira (CAMARADES Brasil, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil)
Speakers
- Session 1: “Starting your systematic review” by Maria Arroyo and Sofija Vojvodic (CAMARADES Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Berlin, Germany).
- Session 2: “Study eligibility, extraction & analysis” by Tamires Martins (CAMARADES Brasil, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil).
- Session 3: “Study quality, bias assessment and transparency” by Sebastian Hoffmann (Evidence-Based Toxicology Collaboration (EBCT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA).
- Session 4: “Publish and disseminate your systematic review” by Aileen MacLellan and Jessie Cait (CAMARADES Ottawa, Canada).
Monday 1 September 2025
Annual meeting of National Network of Alternative Methods (RENAMA) associated laboratories
17:30-19:30 - RIO CENTRO (ROOM TBD)
The Associated Laboratories of RENAMA has recognized competence in the realization and development of new approaches methodologies (NAMs) to the use of experimental animals, will have the function of contributing to the dissemination and development of alternative tests to the use of animals and constituting the testing infrastructure of alternative methods in the country. We are a total of 39 laboratories in addition to the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, INMETRO, LNBio and INCQS. Of these, 1/3 are laboratories of public universities and the rest are companies that provide services in the areas of medicines, cosmetics and toxicology.
The WC13 will be a great opportunity to hold an in-person meeting of the associated laboratories, as happened last year at the Brazilian Congress of Toxicology (CBTOX 2024), a well-known congress in Brazil, with a massive presence of toxicologists. Given this, it will be an enriching opportunity for us to discuss current perspectives on the RENAMA and NAMS in the national and international scenario
Organized by:
RENAMA
More information soon.
Tuesday 2 September 2025
ICCS – Building Confidence in NGRAs for Cosmetics
17:30-19:30 - RIO CENTRO (ROOM TBD)
The International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety (ICCS) is a global initiative focused on advancing the adoption of animal-free assessments of cosmetics, and their ingredients, for human health and environmental safety. ICCS brings together experts from cosmetics manufacturers and suppliers, industry and research associations, and animal protection organizations to drive greater global awareness and confidence in animal-free science through research, education, and regulatory engagement. This presentation will describe how ICCS is addressing regulatory needs in cosmetics by collaborating with stakeholders, leveraging existing resources, developing accessible tools for robust animal-free safety assessments, and integrating human and environmental NAMs into NGRA frameworks.
Topic(s): NAMs and NGRAs
Organized by:
Open to all WC13 participants. No registration required.