Second Short Scientific Course 3 - Barcelona
From October 6 to 10, 2025, the PRAETORIAN network was welcomed by the IIBB-CSIC, which hosted the course “SSC4-SCT3: Clinical Training and Animal Models in Sepsis & Ethical Aspects of Research”.
Over five days, participants explored the use of animal models for studying inflammation and sepsis, including zebrafish models presented by Prof. Constantin Yanicostas (CRCN, CNRS, INSERM Université Paris Cité), large animal models by Prof. Stephanie Franzén (Uppsala University), rodent models, and in vivo imaging techniques applied to inflammation research led by Dr. Carme Casal. The program also included a guided visit to the UEA-Medicine facilities (UB), led by Dr. Lara Sedó, head of the Animal Facility of the Faculty of Medicine (UB), and a demonstration on handling and drug administration routes by Dr. Cristina Aresté and PhD student Carlos Cuño-Gómiz.
Another highlight of the week was the session dedicated to ethical aspects and alternatives to animal experimentation, delivered by Dr. Laia Oliva, member of the Ethical Committee on Animal Experimentation at UB and animal welfare officer for the Diagonal and Sant Joan de Déu experimental units. The session also featured contributions from Dr. Anna Tutusaus and PhD student Patricia Rider, who presented translational models and alternative technologies to animal research. PRAETORIAN project coordinators Prof. Gerry Nicolaes and Dr. Kanin Wichapong (Maastricht University) oversaw the development of the longitudinal PhD projects.
The DCs were also trained on scientific communication by Salvador Ferré (Educscopi) who explained the students the different techniques to deliver their scientific research to the general public.
The course, organized by Dr. Pablo Garcia de Frutos (IIBB-CSIC/FRCB-IDIBAPS, CIBERCV) and Dr. Montserrat Marí (IIBB-CSIC/FRCB-IDIBAPS, BCLC, CIBEREHD), combined theoretical and practical sessions with social activities, fostering the exchange of experiences and knowledge among researchers from different institutions and countries. This initiative reinforces IIBB-CSIC’s commitment to excellence in research, responsibility, and alignment with European ethical principles.
The next meeting will take place in March in Brussels where the DCs will participate in the ISICEM symposium again. See you there!
