COST Action IMPROVE Hosts Successful Workshop and Meetings in Athens to Advance 3Rs in Preclinical Research
Athens, Greece – May 31, 2024 — The COST Action IMPROVE network convened a two-day hybrid event in Athens on May 29–30, 2024, bringing together leading experts, researchers, and stakeholders to promote the implementation of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in preclinical research.
Hosted at the Golden Age Hotel and BIOEMTECH facilities, the event featured a dynamic program including a scientific workshop, a Management Committee (MC) meeting, and a Working Group 3 (WG3) session.
Day 1: Scientific Workshop Led by BIOEMTECH
The first day was dedicated to a workshop on 3Rs refinement and reduction, organized by BIOEMTECH, a pioneering preclinical Contract Research Organization (CRO). The morning session, held in hybrid format, included keynote presentations on BIOEMTECH’s innovative approach to animal welfare and molecular imaging technologies. Highlights included:
- A welcome address by Dr. Maria Kitsara, Science and Innovation Manager at BIOEMTECH
- A keynote on BIOEMTECH’s journey by CEO Dr. George Loudos
- Technical insights from Dr. Maritina Rouchota and Dr. Theodoros Karampelas
- A virtual tour and presentation on animal welfare by Argyro Zacharioudaki
In the afternoon, participants visited BIOEMTECH’s state-of-the-art laboratories for hands-on demonstrations in radiochemistry, animal handling, and imaging technologies. The day concluded with a networking social event at the Golden Age Hotel.
Day 2: Strategic Meetings and Collaborative Planning
The second day featured the MC and WG3 meetings, focusing on strategic planning and collaborative research. The WG3 session included:
- A review of ongoing activities and dissemination strategies
- Planning for a new publication on 3Rs communication
- A report on social media outreach, including TikTok initiatives
- Group work on evaluating the progress of the IMPROVE Action and preparing future outputs
The event concluded with a group dinner at the traditional Athenian taverna The Ugly Duckling, fostering informal exchanges and strengthening community ties.
