Webinar - COST Action IMPROVE

In this episode, Dr. Laura Webb from Wageningen University, the Netherlands, presented about "animal happiness - understanding and assessment through behaviour, cognition and physiology". She is co-chair of the COST Action LIFT.

This video is based upon work from COST Action AFFECT-EVO (CA23106), IMPROVE (CA21139) and LIFT (CA21124), supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). COST is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. COST Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation; www.cost.eu.

A series of webinars organized by the IMPROVE, AFFECT-EVO and LIFT COST Actions, dedicated to improving animal welfare in research and promoting the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement). These sessions feature leading experts discussing best practices, innovative approaches, and ethical considerations in laboratory animal science.

In this episode, Prof. Georgia Mason presents about proxy measures for animal feelings: how to validate indicators of affective state or cumulative affective experience.

In this episode, Dr Tom Smulders presents on: "Adult hippocampal neurogenesis as a valence marker". Tom Smulders is Chair of COST Action AFFECT-EVO https://affect-evo.eu/.

On May 15, 2025, the Young Researchers and Innovators (YRI) and the mentorship committees from COST Action IMPROVE hosted the online webinar "Ethics, Animal Research and One Health: Fostering Awareness and Career Development through 3R Principles and Animal Welfare," moderated by Anil Can and given by Dr. Yesim Isil Ulman. The event brought together approximately 50 participants from diverse backgrounds, including early-career researchers, animal welfare advocates, and professionals in biomedical sciences.

Event Highlights

The webinar provided a comprehensive overview of ethical considerations in animal research, with a particular focus on the 3R principles and their critical role in advancing both animal welfare and scientific integrity.
Participants engaged in discussions on the interactions of animal research ethics and the One Health approach, emphasizing the importance of responsible research practices for human, animal, and environmental health.
The session featured interactive elements, encouraging attendees to share experiences and reflect on challenges faced in their own research environments.

Key Outcomes

Increased Awareness: Attendees discussed the ethical frameworks guiding animal research and its relationships with the One Health concept.
Career Development: The webinar highlighted how ethical awareness and adherence to animal welfare standards can positively impact career progression in research, aligning with the broader goals of responsible science.
Networking and Inclusivity: The event fostered a supportive environment for knowledge exchange, connecting participants from various countries and disciplines, including those from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs).

For further resources on ethics in animal research and career development, participants are encouraged to engage with the ongoing activities of COST Action IMPROVE (https://cost-improve.eu/).

On May 16th,the Young Investigators and Innovators committee from COST Action IMPROVE organized the webinar Let's Talk about Mindset, facilitated by Nikki Osborne from RESPONSIBLE RESEARCH IN PRACTICE.

This seminar provided an introduction to the concept of growth and survival mindsets. It was discussed, why mindset matters and how it influences our reactions and interactions with others. Awareness of mindset traits, triggers and behaviors can provide individuals with the insight needed to show up more consistently from a mindset and fullfil their research potential.

The activity that was part of the Career Development Program equipped the participants with essential insights and tools to understand the fundamental differences between operating from a mindset of growth and survival. It also provided clues to identify personal triggers, habits, flags, and behaviors associated with both mindsets.

After this activity, ten participants, members of the COST Action IMPROVE, were awarded a virtual grant to participate in the 6-hour course “Mindset to Growth,” in which they will be provided with tools to achieve a shift from a mindset of survival to growth.

This opportunity is expected to allow participants to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth towards a better 3R science.

On March 1 at 13:00 CET, the Career Development Workshop Series 2024 kick-off event, organized by the Young Researchers and Innovators Committee in collaboration with the Mentorship committee from COST Action IMPROVE, brought together expert speakers and approximately 20 participants from diverse backgrounds for an insightful exploration into career paths within the field of the 3Rs—replacement, Reduction, and Refinement.

The meeting featured distinguished speakers.

In the first place, Ioanna Sandvig delved into the nuances of selecting research interests, finding mentors, cultivating a unique research niche, and offering practical advice to aspiring researchers.

Winfried Neuhaus shared his own experiences on connecting the dots for an exemplary career path, providing valuable insights into navigating the professional landscape.

To finalize the journey, Maria Kitsara explored the significance of mobility during the Postdoc phase and crafting a diverse and competitive profile for the industry, inspiring attendees to pursue opportunities for growth and development.

A general discussion gathered concerns from the young researchers towards aspects like the uncertainty of their professional future but also the advice from the experts on how to deal with it.

The journey ended with the YRI committee expressing its satisfaction with the vibrant exchange of ideas and insights that took place, fostering a supportive environment for professional growth and networking.

The Career Development Workshop Series 2024 kick-off event marked the beginning of an exciting journey towards empowering young researchers and innovators to achieve their career aspirations.

For more information about upcoming events and initiatives, please write us.