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| The Seventh World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences (WC7) will be held Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2009 in Rome, Italy. ©istock.com |
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Late next summer, scientists and others committed to the advancement of animal alternatives in experiments will gather in Rome, Italy for the Seventh World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences (WC7).
The motto for WC7, to be held Aug. 30 through Sept. 3, 2009, is "Calling on Science", a title that emphasizes the fact that scientific advances are the foundation of progress towards the 3Rs: the reduction, refinement and replacement of animals in experiments.
The Humane Society of the United States has a long-standing involvement in the Congress—which has been held every several years since it's inception in 1993—as an organizer, financial contributor and presenter. The HSUS hosted the Fourth World Congress, held in New Orleans in 2002.
As in past World Congresses, The HSUS will present the Russell and Burch Award to a scientist who has made outstanding contributions toward the advancement of alternative methods in the areas of biomedical research, testing, or higher education. Nominations for the award are due March 31, 2009.
2009 will mark milestones and setbacks in the progress toward animal alternatives, including the 50th anniversary of William Russell and Rex Burch's landmark book on the 3R's, the European Union’s (E.U.) deadline for phasing out animal testing for cosmetics, and the start of “REACH”, a new E.U. law that will require new and existing chemicals to undergo a substantial round of tests, some of which will use animals.
The WC7 program:
Day One: Innovative Technologies, Concepts and Approaches
Addressing broad concepts, approaches and strategies, integrating new technologies such as genomics, proteomics, metabonomics and systems biology approaches.
Day Two: Areas of Animal Use
Including basic research, development of pharmaceuticals, safety assessment of specific product types and biologicals including vaccines. Also covering new developments in education and training and multi-annual animal welfare action plans and large-scale testing programs.
Day Three: Progress in Life Science Domains
Addressing basic and applied research and specific hazard endpoints, including animal welfare science and environmental science.
Day Four: 50 Years After Russell and Burch
Highlighting scientific developments relevant to the 3-R's, with emphasis on the exponential progress in recent years, its implications for science, public health, and animal use and welfare.
