Environmentally friendly systems to replace classical animal models in drug testing for VBD - IN PRESENCE MEETING

Dear friends and colleagues,

We are delighted to extend our warmest welcome to the International workshop “Environmentally friendly systems to replace classical animal models in drug testing for VBD” and mini-workshop “Young Innovators” joint event of the COST ACTION 2111-OneHealthdrugs – “One Health drugs against parasitic vector borne diseases in Europe and beyond”. This meeting will be held from Tuesday, May 14th, to Wednesday, May 15th, 2024, in Porto, Portugal, at i3S, University of Porto.

OneHealthdrugs COST Action network aims to coordinate the discovery of drugs that stop vector-borne infections in both human and veterinary settings according to the principles of the optimal profile for these organisms, increasing quality and reducing environmental impact.

This workshop explores innovative approaches to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of drug therapies as alternatives to conventional animal models, with a specific focus on their applicability to Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases (VBD). We will delve into advancements in bioengineering techniques, including 2D and 3D tissue cultures, such as organ-on-chip systems, non-traditional organism models like zebrafish and chick embryos, and computer /mathematical models. The workshop will be organized by WG3 (“Coordination of in vitro-to-in vivo translation of One Health leads and candidates”), WG4 (“Integration of R&D process-environmental studies and translation in informed whitepaper”), and WG6 (“Promote the transfer of knowledge and beyond”). Besides invited speakers, presentations will be selected based on submitted abstracts.

During the “Young Innovators Mini-Workshop” and to assist their future scientific careers, young researchers will engage in sessions on “Career Development” and on “Green and sustainable practices in scientific research”. This mini-workshop is organized by HG4 (Young Researcher Innovators Organization).

We look forward to your participation and the submission of your abstract. We are thrilled to welcome you to what is guaranteed to be a highly enthusiastic and intellectually rewarding meeting.

With warm regards,

The Scientific Committee,
Ana Tomás, ICBAS and i3S, University of Porto, Portugal
Anabela Cordeiro da Silva, FFUP and i3S, University of Porto, Portugal
Elisa Uliassi, University of Bologna, Italy
Guy Caljon, University of Antwerp, Belgium
Harry de Koning, Glasgow University, UK
Joana Tavares, i3S, University of Porto, Portugal
José Maria Alunda, University Complutense of Madrid, Spain
Maria Paola Costi, University of Modena, Italy
Rolf-Alexander Düring, Giessen University, Germany

The Local Organizing Committee,
Ana Tomás, ICBAS and i3S, University of Porto, Portugal
Anabela Cordeiro da Silva, FFUP and i3S, University of Porto, Portugal
Clara Lima, FFUP and i3S, University of Porto, Portugal
Joana Tavares, i3S, University of Porto, Portugal

Website: https://www.i3s.up.pt/event.php?v=312

Registration at the following address: https://www.i3s.up.pt/event.php?v=312

Registration deadline for non-COST members: 31 March 2024

Registration deadline for COST members: 22 March 2024
If you are a COST member eligible for reimbursement, the abstract submission and registration deadline is on March 22. Applicants will be notified upon selection by the end of March.