Themes and Tracks
CONGRESS THEME
The congress emphasizes the importance of finding better ways to keep people, animals, and the environment healthy. It reminds us to take care of things like pet products and nature. We need to focus on both human and animal health, as well as protecting our planet. By doing this, we can make sure everyone and everything stays well and balanced for a long time. WC13's main congress theme is:
3Rs Integrating 3 Worlds: Human, Animal and Environmental Health
The congress program will be organized around four main tracks:
Human health
Human Health - Replacement
Human Health - Policies
Human Health - 3Rs
Focus will be on the application of alternative methods in biomedical research and drug development. Topics include advancements in in vitro modeling of diseases, inhalation in vitro toxicology, related fields and building confidence in New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for human health. The track will also address the importance of confidence in cell counting according to ISO 20391-1 and -2 to improve reproducibility in cell analysis, along with ethical considerations and regulatory acceptance of these methods.
Animal health
This track will discuss how alternative methods can improve animal welfare in research and testing as well as stimulate the development of alternative methods to be used in non-clinical phase of pets and veterinarians products. Topics include ethical considerations in veterinary practice, the use of invertebrates as alternative models, the sentience of invertebrates and the refinement of local tolerance testing with a focus on whether the application of only one of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, or Refinement) is feasible worldwide. Case studies of successful implementation of the 3Rs in veterinary research and diagnostics will also be highlighted.
One health
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It recognizes the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and inter-dependent. Through education, research, and policy, One Health fosters innovation and well-being to protect human health, animal health and ecosystems, while addressing the collective need for clean environment, safe and nutritious food, taking action on climate change, and contributing to sustainable development. The principles of the 3Rs - Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement contribute to the multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach of One Health, while enhancing animal welfare and fostering ethical scientific advancements.
Environmental health
This track will explore how alternative methods to animal testing can be used to assess environmental impacts. Topics include the development and validation of in vitro and in silico models for environmental toxicology, risk assessment, and the effects of cosmetics and reject products on the environment. Discussions will also cover alternatives for studying the impact of "forever chemicals" and regulatory frameworks promoting the use of alternative methods, highlighting the role of the 3Rs in environmental toxicology.
Education
The focus will be on integrating the principles of the 3Rs into educational curricula and training programs. Topics include innovative teaching tools such as virtual labs and interactive simulations, and a call for action for a global road map to promote the use of alternative methods in scientific research and education. Discussions will highlight strategies for raising awareness about the 3Rs and promoting a culture of responsibility and ethics among students and professionals in the life sciences.