Scientific Conference ‘‘ Non-animal approaches in biomedical education’’
The Scientific Conference ‘‘Non-Animal Approaches in Biomedical Education’’, organized by the University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Pharmacy and the Organisation for Animal Rights and the Environment EVA, was held on November 14–15, 2024, at Hotel Hollywood in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event served as a platform for experts, educators, students, and advocates to advance the use of ethical, innovative alternatives to animal use in biomedical education and research.
The conference aimed to promote New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in education, highlight their importance in the discovery and development of new drugs, and explore how NAMs can be integrated into the curricula for pharmacists and biomedical professionals. By addressing these objectives, the event sought to catalyze a shift toward greater representation of humane, non-animal approaches in university teaching and research.
Highlights from Day One
The first day opened with inspiring presentations from international and local experts:
Arti Devi Ahluwalia, Centro di Ricerca Enrico Piaggio, University of Pisa, Italy:
Pervasive Education and Training: The Italian Centro 3R StrategyElisabeth Berggren, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Italy:
EURL ECVAM and the Introduction of Non-Animal Approaches in EducationElena Grasselli, University of Genoa, Italy:
Testing Safety and Efficacy of Cosmetic Products Using 2D and 3D Cellular ModelsUna Glamočlija, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Relevance of 2D Cell Models in Education and ResearchSilvia Letašiová, MatTek In Vitro Life Science Laboratories, Slovakia:
Reconstructed Human Epidermis as an Ethical Alternative for Topical Toxicity Testing
The day concluded with a Panel Discussion on the topic of New Approach Methodologies in Biomedical Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The panel featured:
Anja Haverić, Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo
Irma Durmišević, Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo
Neira Crnčević, International Burch University
Abas Sezer, International University of Sarajevo
Elena Grasselli, University of Genoa
The panel explored the challenges and opportunities for integrating non-animal methodologies into educational frameworks in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Workshops
A key practical session was the EpiDerm Skin Irritation Test Workshop, led by Silvia Letašiová from MatTek, Slovakia. Attendees were introduced to ethical alternatives for topical toxicity testing using reconstructed human epidermis models, showcasing the cutting-edge technologies available in non-animal research.
Day Two Highlights
The second day featured impactful talks from leading voices in the field:
Pamela Bejdić, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Application of the 3R Principle in the Education of Students of Veterinary MedicineNick Jukes, InterNICHE, United Kingdom:
Humane Innovations for Knowledge and Skills Acquisition: Physiology, Pharmacology, and BeyondDilyana Filipova, Doctors Against Animal Experiments, Germany:
Why do drugs keep failing? A systematic analysis of drug failure rates from 1963 to 2017“
Dylan Underhill, Cruelty Free Europe, United Kingdom:
Stronger Together: Collaborative Strategies to End Animal Testing in Europe
The day ended with a Panel Discussion titled Development and Promotion of Ethical Principles of (Non)Animal Use in Research and Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The panelists included:
Pamela Bejdić, University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Nick Jukes, InterNICHE
Dylan Underhill, Cruelty Free Europe
Alisa Elezović, University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Pharmacy
Zerina Hodžić, Organization for animal rights and the environment EVA
Closing Ceremony
The conference concluded with a memorable Closing Ceremony, where:
The Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Fahir Bečić, and the President of EVA, Nora Mahmutović, signed an Agreement of Cooperation, solidifying their commitment to advancing ethical biomedical education.
PETA Germany Awards were presented:
Best Abstract Award to Merima Smajlhodžić-Deljo for her work on The Importance of In Vitro Methods in Laboratory Work for Master’s and Doctoral Theses
Early-Career Scientist Award to Naida Omerović Ćorović for her research on In Silico Evaluation of Pharmacokinetic Properties During Drug Development
Sponsors and Partners
The conference was made possible with the support of:
The Scientific Conference ‘‘Non-Animal Approaches in Biomedical Education’’ successfully highlighted the importance of ethical innovations in education and research, fostering collaboration among academic and advocacy communities. By promoting humane alternatives to animal use, the event paved the way for a more ethical and scientifically advanced future in biomedicine.
This conference is a testament to the growing movement toward cruelty-free, innovative education, research, and industry approaches.
The full gallery from the conference is available at this LINK📸✨
