Working towards animal replacement together
The South African Association for Laboratory Animal Science NPC (SAALAS) invites you to a unique, fully funded in-person workshop that focuses on practical new approaches that enhance scientific quality and improve research outcomes while replacing animals in science. Hosted at the University of Pretoria, this two-day event, taking place on 15 & 16 September 2026, will bring together local and international experts to share real-world, implementable non-animal models and technologies that can provide more robust, scientifically relevant data.
This initiative is made possible through the generous support of RSPCA, Humane World for Animals South Africa, and the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science, enabling free attendance for participants.
Importantly, this programme recognises that animal use cannot always be immediately replaced in every area of science. Instead, the focus is on identifying feasible, locally relevant opportunities where scientifically advanced approaches — including non-animal models — can improve data quality and strengthen research outcomes using existing and/or accessible skills and resources.
Venue: University of Pretoria, Old Soutpans Road, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, Gauteng
Date: 15 & 16 September 2026
Time: 08:00 – 16:30
About the Workshop
The New Approaches in Science workshop aims to promote the principles of Replacement within the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), with a strong emphasis on approaches applicable in the South African context.
The programme combines a four-part webinar series with a hands-on workshop, providing both foundational knowledge and practical skills.
Webinar Series (Preparatory Sessions)
- 24 April 2026 | 12:00–13:30 (SAST)
Higher education, humane innovations, and the transition to alternatives
Speaker: Nick Jukes (InterNICHE) - 10 June 2026 | 19:00–20:30 (SAST)
Health monitoring and soiled bedding animal sentinels
Speakers: Dr Megan LaFollette (The 3Rs Collaborative), Sr Juanita Raath (University of Cape Town) - 22 July 2026 | 14:00 ( SAST )
Managing Rodent Colonies: From Efficiency to Effectiveness
Speakers: Dr Eleni Amaniti (Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London), Sr Irene Serage (North West University), Dr Marna Naudé (Clinvet) - 26 August 2026 | 12:00–13:00 (SAST)
Advice on how to search for alternatives
Speaker: Prof Adrian Smith (Norecopa)
Webinars are open to all. Registration links will be shared via SAALAS LinkedIn. Webinar recordings will be made available on the SAALAS website after the events.
Workshop Details
Venue: University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science
The in-person workshop will build on the webinar series and provide participants with practical exposure to replacement methodologies and tools.
Workshop Programme
DAY 1: Cell Culture Methods in Science
This programme provides a foundational and practical introduction to advanced cell culture models in South Africa, exploring how technologies such as 3D cultures, organoids, and iPSC systems are driving more predictive, human-relevant, and locally representative research. Participants will gain insight into current South African expertise, model selection, ethical considerations, and emerging applications that are shaping the future of biomedical science.
DAY 2: Non-animal-derived Antibodies
This programme explores the growing use of non-animal-derived antibodies and their potential to improve scientific reliability, reproducibility, and ethical research practices. Participants will gain an overview of emerging technologies, current applications in research and diagnostics, validation considerations, and the role of recombinant and synthetic antibodies in advancing modern biomedical research. An international perspective as well as local case studies demonstrating successful implementation in South Africa will be discussed.
What You Will Gain
- Practical knowledge of replacement approaches
- Exposure to internationally recognised experts
- Locally relevant applications for South African research environments
- Networking with peers and professionals in laboratory animal science
Funding
This is a fully funded SAALAS workshop, aimed at supporting access and participation within the scientific community.
Registrations
Workshop Registrations Closed
Registrations for this workshop have now closed as the event is fully booked.
If you wish to be placed on the waiting list (in case of cancellations) or would like to be informed about potential online attendance, please complete this form below to receive the correspondence:
Applications
Scholarship Applications Closed
Scholarship applications for the Replacement Workshop 2026 have now closed.
No further scholarship applications will be considered.
We thank all applicants for their interest.
🔔 Upcoming Webinar – 22 July 2026
Join us for the next session in our Replacement Workshop 2026 webinar series.
📅 Date: 22 July 2026
🕑 Time: 14:00 (SAST)
💻 Platform: Online (Zoom)
Topic: Managing Rodent
Colonies: From Efficiency to Effectiveness
Speakers: • Dr Eleni Amaniti (Sainsbury Welcome Centre, University College London)
• Sr Irene Serage (North West University)
• Dr Marna Naudé (Clinvet)