As part of a free, German-language online lecture series, nine German universities and research institutes from Cologne, Berlin, Hanover, Regensburg, Göttingen, Mainz, Düsseldorf, and Dresden offered a varied program specifically for professionals in laboratory animal husbandry. Over five days, participants were able to learn, exchange ideas, and further their education regardless of their location.
Focus on animal welfare, 3Rs, and professional practice
The week covered a wide range of topics – from current developments in training and professional conditions to psychological stress and motivation in everyday work to new scientific findings on pain perception, environmental enrichment, and species-appropriate husbandry.
A special focus was placed on the 3R principle (Replace, Reduce, Refine). Innovative approaches such as the use of 3D printing as an alternative method impressively demonstrated how technical developments can contribute to replacing animal experiments. This made it clear that caretakers are active contributors to animal welfare and refinement, not merely carrying out tasks.
Exchange, recognition, and shared responsibility
In addition to knowledge transfer, the focus was primarily on recognizing the daily work involved. Many participants took the opportunity to share experiences and discuss cross-institutional challenges.
"On behalf of the entire organizing team, I can say that we were delighted with the great response to TechWeek 2026 across Germany. The week was filled with interesting and varied presentations, which were discussed together (online). We would particularly like to highlight the opportunity provided by many managers to follow the sessions together, which promoted exchange and strengthened the sense of community," reports Lena Kistermann, co-organizer of the week and coordinator of the 3R Competence Network NRW at RWTH Aachen University.
Thanks to everyone involved
International Laboratory Animal Technician Week 2026 has impressively demonstrated how important networking, continuing education, and appreciation are for responsible animal research.
We would like to express our special thanks to the participating universities and institutes, all speakers and organizers, and especially the laboratory animal technicians and animal caretakers themselves. Their daily commitment is the foundation for animal welfare, scientific quality, and trust in research.