Genetically modified mice and other rodent models have undoubtedly made major contributions to biomedical research, revealing the molecular basis of many human diseases and enabling proof-of-principle studies for novel diagnostic and treatment strategies. But mice are not men, and their predictive value for preclinical studies is often called into question. Larger animals which resemble humans in size, physiology and the anatomy of many organ systems, notably pigs, are therefore gaining attention as biomedical models.
However, the general public and the regulatory authorities may view large animal research more critically. The participants of the summer school – young researchers and senior experts – will examine the inter-relationship between animal research, the ethical discourse and the balance of interests necessary for the framing of rational regulations and guidelines. They shall specifically focus on the comparison of rodents with large animals and use this to highlight various aspects of animal experimentation ethics.
The international summer school will accept up to 15 young European researchers (graduates, Ph.D.-students, post-docs) from a variety of disciplines:
• biomedicine
• human medicine
• veterinary medicine
• animal welfare
• animal biotechnology
• ethics
• law
• social sciences
• and related areas
Participants will present and discuss their own work, and there will be a number of lectures covering relevant topics. The summer school will close with a public podium discussion event to take place at the Carl von Linde-Akademie in Munich on Friday, 14 October 2011.
To apply please send an abstract of 400 words or less describing your own research, a current CV and a publication list by 14 April 2011 to:
Dr. Kristin Hagen, Europäische Akademie GmbH, Wilhelmstr. 56, 53474 Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Germany, or via e-mail to: kristin.hagen(at)ea-aw.de.
Successful applicants will be reimbursed for travel and accommodation expenses.
Applicants are also encouraged to submit a manuscript by 16 September 2011 for publication as a book chapter, for which an honorarium of €300 will be paid.
The summer school is subject to final confirmation of funding by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
—
About the Europäische Akademie Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler:
The Europäische Akademie deals with the scientific study of the consequences of scientific and technological advances for individuals, society and the natural environment. The main focus is on the examination of foreseeable mid- and long-term processes that are especially influenced by the natural and engineering sciences and the medical disciplines. As an independent scientific institution, the Europäische Akademie pursues a dialogue with the world of politics and society at large. The Europäische Akademie Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler gGmbH was founded in 1996 by the Federal State of Rhineland-Palatinate (Land Rheinland-Pfalz) and the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. – DLR). The Director of the academy and manager of the company is Professor Dr. phil. Dr. phil.h.c. Carl Friedrich Gethmann, who is a full Professor of Applied Philosophy at the Universität Duisburg-Essen. Further information: www.ea-aw.org