JRC Summer School on Non-Animal Approaches in Science

Applications are now open! Apply here

Why this summer school?

Non-animal approaches not only address the ethical aspects of using animals in science, but also offer huge advantages for conducting human and environmental relevant research and testing, whether it be for studying disease mechanisms, developing new therapies or ensuring the safe and sustainable use of chemicals.

Cutting-edge technologies including induced pluripotent stem cells, organ-on-chip, computational modelling and artificial intelligence are being exploited for world0class science that benefits our society and supports sustainable development and innovation.

The JRC Summer School provides you with a unique opportunity to learn from experts in the field, share knowledge and experience with your peers, and build your professional network, all while having fun too!

What's on offer for you?

Four and a half days of a highly engaging and interactive programme including lectures by experts in several key fields, round tables for discussion on hot topics, and a debate session powered by you! There’ll also be plenty of opportunity to mingle and meet new people with interests like yours.

The scientific programme will focus on complex in vitro methods and computational modelling used in biomedical research and regulatory applications. You’ll see how results obtained from advanced non-animal models and methods can be applied in human medicine and toxicology testing.

We’ll also dedicate time to explore career development paths and the amazing opportunities that non-animal science can offer.

Recognising the knowledge and expertise you already have, we’d like you to do a flash presentation describing your own project or area of study related to the topics of the summer school.

The official language of the summer school will be English. 

Who can participate?

We are looking for enthusiastic students (Master or PhD) or early-career scientists (maximum 4 years after completing studies) with a strong interest in non-animal approaches working in relevant fields of research and application.

The maximum number of participants will be 120.

We expect continuous presence during all summer school days from all participants to receive a certificate of attendance.

Your presence during the whole summer school without interruption is not only important for the outcome of the event, but also for making the travel sustainable.

How to apply?

The application process opens on 5 November 2024.

The link to the online application will be published on this webpage, and should be submitted by 15 January 2025. The application includes sections for you to provide your motivation to attend the summer school, as well as for your flash presentation abstract (maximum 250 words).

• Opening for applications: 5 November 2024
• Deadline for applications: 15 January 2025 

How will we select participants?

Participants will be selected based on the following criteria

• quality of the flash presentation abstract
• clarity and relevance of the motivation to attend
• priority will be given to applicants who did not attend previous editions (2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023)

Decisions on acceptance will be announced by email on 20 February 2025.

Programme

Costs and logistics

Participation in the JRC Summer School is free of charge. However, participants need to cover the costs of their travel and accommodation.

The JRC will provide practical assistance in booking reasonably priced accommodation in the local area and will arrange free local shuttle transportation according to a fixed timetable.

We encourage you to think about climate impact when planning your travel. Aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions. You can reduce your emissions by booking the most direct route and where possible consider travelling by train instead.

The JRC is dedicated to reducing its impact on the environment and will arrange the summer school in a green spirit. We will endeavour to keep food waste, single-use plastics and printing on paper to a minimum. We will offer a green local menu throughout the event.  

Travel grants 

We thank the following organisations for offering a number of travel grants. More details on how to apply will be sent to accepted participants and announced on the organisation websites.

• European Society of Toxicology In Vitro ESTIV
• PETA Science Consortium International  
• Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (ERA21)  
• Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals RSPCA 
• European consensus-platform for alternatives (ecopa)
• Young TPI