International Conference on Alternatives and Simulation in Education - 30 August 2025, Brazil
International Conference on Alternatives and Simulation in Education
Addressing education through the use of humane, innovative learning tools and alternatives to animal experiments.
Saturday, August 30, 2025 · 9am - 5pm
Riocentro Exhibition & Convention Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The International Conference on Alternatives and Simulation in Education will foreground education through the use of humane tools and approaches (alternatives), particularly in higher education for biology, medical and veterinary medical students. It will focus on ethical innovations for acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes in practical classes across the disciplines, with an emphasis on replacement of harmful animal use and implementation already achieved. The event will feature oral presentations (including lightning talks); an interactive exhibition with hands-on demonstrations; and workshops, panel discussions and a round table. There will also be limited content on continuing education in the clinical field, on training in Non-Animal Methods (NAMs), and on ethical career pathways in humane science. The event will not address training in laboratory animal science (LAS). Contributions from invited speakers and via an open call will be reviewed by a scientific committee. The limited hybrid format and language translation will optimise accessibility. Abstract publication and CPD accreditation are anticipated, so as to enhance professional value and impact.
Organised by: InterNICHE (1), CAAT (2) & Ombion (3)
Planning partners: RedEH (4), Fórum Animal (5) & DAAE (6)
Additional and supporting partners: CONCEA (7), TPI Utrecht (8), LSCV (9), RSPCA (10) & Global Education Hub for animal-free innovation (11)
- Low cost registration with tiered pricing.
- In person attendance, and with partial hybrid access.
- Languages: English (primary) and Portuguese.
- Program information will be made available here.
This is a satellite conference to the 13th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences
Open call for abstracts and other contributions
Abstract submission for oral presentations is now open. Speakers are invited for standard (15 min) and lightning (5 min) presentations.
Abstract submission deadline: Sun 20th July, 2025
Abstract decisions announced: Mon 4th August, 2025
Program available: Mon 11th August, 2025
Please note the short timescale for submission.
Abstract guidance: In a Word document in 11-point Aptos font, please include Title (in bold); Author(s); Name of institution(s) / organization(s) / company / independent, and country, for each author; and Abstract text (max 300 words).
Please indicate your choice of theme and your preference for standard or lightning presentation, and attach a Word document of your biography (max 150 words) when submitting your abstract.
Please submit by email direct to Nick Jukes at coordinator@interniche.org.
The scientific committee of organisers and planning partners will assess all abstracts and decide regarding acceptance and type of presentation.
Themes:
- From anatomy and physiology to surgery and clinical procedures: Virtual tools, VR & AR
- Home-made clinical and surgical skills tools
- Simulated scenarios: Coupling models and software
- Teaching objectives, learning outcomes and the skills trajectory
- Fidelity and assessment of learning tools
- Effective implementation: Training the teachers
- Clinical rotations and placements: Learning opportunities with patients
- Replacement achieved: Examples and case studies
- Student rights and conscientious objection
- Legislation and replacement
- Ethical careers and the path from humane education to humane science and medicine
- Education and training for NAMs (non-animal methods) in research and testing
English will be the primary language for presentations and other formats. If you prefer to present in Portuguese, please indicate this when submitting your abstract.
Potential corporate exhibitors and teacher exhibitors (with their own teaching tools) should contact Nick Jukes at coordinator@interniche.org, and are also welcome to submit an abstract for an oral presentation.
Proposals for short rotating workshops, as well as for panel(s) and round table(s) are invited too.
Follow the Get tickets link at the Eventbrite page for registration and payment. There are no additional ticket fees. Attendance for some demographics is complimentary.
In person attendance is encouraged; options for virtual / pre-recorded contributions are detailed within the registration process.
Note that abstracts, presentations and other content and aspects of the conference might be published, recorded for broadcast, and used for other related purposes. This may be before, during and after the event.
Organisers and partners:
- InterNICHE (International Network for Humane Education), UK
- CAAT (Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing), Johns Hopkins University, USA
- Ombion (Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation / Centrum voor Proefdiervrije Biomedische Translatie), The Netherlands
- RedEH (National Network for Humane Education / Rede Nacional de Educação Humanitária), Brazil
- National Forum for Animal Protection and Defense / Fórum Nacional de Proteção e Defesa Animal, Brazil
- DAAE (Doctors Against Animal Experiments / Ärzte gegen Tierversuche), Germany
- CONCEA (Conselho Nacional de Controle de Experimentação Animal / National Council for the Control of Animal Experimentation), Brazil
- TPI Utrecht (Transition Programme to Animal-free Innovations Utrecht / Transitie Proefdiervrije Innovatie Utrecht), The Netherlands
- LSCV (Swiss League against Animal Testing and for Animal Rights / Ligue Suisse contre l’expérimentation animale et pour les droits des animaux), Switzerland
- RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), UK
- Global Education Hub for animal-free innovation, The Netherlands
Contact: Nick Jukes, InterNICHE at coordinator@interniche.org
