From August 31 to September 4, Fiocruz promotes the 13th World Congress on Alternatives and Use of Animals in Life Sciences (WC13), which takes place, for the first time, below the equator, in Rio de Janeiro. WC13 is one of the most relevant events in the international scientific and regulatory scenario, bringing together researchers, industry representatives, government organizations and civil society to discuss the advances and challenges in the replacement, reduction and refinement of the use of animals in research, regulation and education.

Holding the event on Brazilian soil represents a significant achievement for the country and reflects Brazil's growing role in debates on ethical science, technological innovation and animal welfare. The organization of the Congress has the support of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), the Johns Hopkins Foundation, as well as sponsors (L'Oréal, Unilever, P&G).

Since 2013, the Brazilian Center for Validation of Alternative Methods (BraCVAM), linked to the Vice-Presidency of Research and Biological Collections (VPPCB/Fiocruz), has been part of Fiocruz. In addition to participating in international committees, developing and validating alternative methods to the use of animals in research and education, BraCVAM aims to train professionals and disseminate knowledge.

Coordinator of BraCVAM/Fiocruz and president of the Congress, Octavio Presgrave comments that this event taking place in the Southern Hemisphere and Latin America is a milestone. "This shows the recognition of the studies that are carried out in the region and strengthens the commitment to strengthen the discussion on the need to expand the development of new methods without the use of animals", highlights Presgrave. "Alternative methods represent greater safety in the results, since they can use human cells and tissues, obtaining results closer to the response in humans".

Service:
WC13
Date: August 31 to September 4;
Venue: Riocentro Convention & Event Center;
Address: Avenida Salvador Allende, 6555. Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro (RJ).
Official website of the event.