From 20 to 23 July, IPHYS hosted the ESLAV–ECLAM Summer School 2026. The expert programme focused on modern veterinary care for laboratory animals and on procedures ensuring their welfare and the highest possible level of protection during biomedical research, with particular emphasis on best practices in anaesthesia, analgesia, and euthanasia.
The event was jointly organised by the European Society of Laboratory Animal Veterinarians (ESLAV) and the European College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ECLAM). It brought together 40 veterinarians and scientists specialising in laboratory animals from 11 European countries, including eight participants from IPHYS.
The program combined expert lectures with hands-on workshops led by internationally recognised specialists. It focused on the latest advances in safe anaesthesia, effective pain management, and procedures that ensure the highest standards of care for laboratory animals, particularly when working with fish, mice, rats, and rabbits. Strong emphasis was placed on the implementation and adherence to the 3Rs principles (Replace, Reduce, Refine), which aim to replace the use of animals wherever possible, reduce their numbers, and continuously refine conditions and procedures to maximise the protection of animal health and welfare.
Among the speakers were leading international experts in laboratory medicine and veterinary anaesthesia, including Emeritus Professor Paul Flecknell (Newcastle University), Professor Cholawat Pacharinsak (Stanford University), Eva Dražanová (Institute of Scientific Instruments CAS), Daniel Ruiz Pérez (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland), Thomas Filip (University of Vienna), Ana Maria Valentim (i3S Institute, Portugal), Daniela Casoni (University of Bern), Alessia Montesano (University of Bern), and Diego Celdran Bonafonte (University of Arizona).
The organisation of the summer school in the Czech Republic was led by Jan Honetschläger from the Institute of Molecular Genetics, CAS, and Eva Dražanová. The on-site coordination at IPHYS was managed by Martin Blažka, Head of the Animal Facility. The event was carried out in close cooperation with ESLAV and ECLAM.
This international educational event confirms IPHYS’s position as a centre that combines cutting-edge biomedical research with a strong commitment to continuing professional education and strict adherence to the highest standards of laboratory animal care, setting an example for other institutions in the field. IPHYS thus aligns with global standards and the ongoing trend of refinement of research practices in areas where animal models cannot yet be replaced by non-animal approaches.
Photo: Jan Setnička
