A policy webinar organised by the European Brain Council in collaboration with its member organisations the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) and the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) on the topic of Animals in Research and a Pledge for Science will be held on Friday, 5 May 2023 from 14:00-15:30 CET.

This webinar, featuring expert speakers, aims to provide insight on the current state of research policy in the European Union and how it affects the wider brain community, including people living with brain conditions. In line with EBC’s aim to speak with one voice for the entire community, EBC and its member organisations find it important to involve all relevant stakeholders in its policy and advocacy work. With topics such as the use of animals in research gaining traction at the political level and widespread communication channels, we want to ensure that the community is aware of the implications for brain research.

Furthermore, in mid May, members of the EBC community will take part in a day of visits with Members of the European Parliament to shed light on a number of important issues affecting the wider brain community and calling for a Pledge for Science – for innovation, prioritisation and overall support for the space. This webinar aims to prepare anyone wishing to gain further knowledge on key policy hot topics so important for the community’s advocacy work.

Please register for the webinar here. Programme details below:

14:00-14:10
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Prof. Suzanne Dickson, President, European Brain Council

14:10-14:30
The European Citizens Inititiave – a threat to patient health?
Kirk Leech, Executive Director, European Animal Research Association (EARA)

14:30-14:45
Advantages and limitations of animal- and non-animal methods
Dr Sabine Hölter-Koch, Head of the Behavioural Unit at the German Mouse Clinic, Helmholtz Zentrum München (Germany) and Chair, Preclinical Data Forum Network, European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP)

14:45-15:00
The use of animals in the research investigating the application of deep brain stimulation strategies to treat addiction
Dr Christelle Baunez, Chair, Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Committee on Animals in Research (CARE)

15:00-15:20
Open Discussion and Q&A with Audience
Moderated by Stephanie Kramer, Head of Communications, Advocacy & Policy, European Brain Council

15:20-15:30
Concluding Remarks