Exciting Start to WC13

Reflections from the Opening Ceremony of WC13 in Rio de Janeiro

The 13th World Congress on Alternatives and the Use of Animals in the Life Sciences (WC13) opened with a vibrant celebration of Brazilian science, culture, and progress. The ceremony honored Brazil’s leadership in advancing the 3Rs and highlighted the nation’s landmark legislation banning animal testing for cosmetics.

Guests were treated to a cultural experience featuring a troupe of drummers, dancers, and acrobats—an energetic performance that set the tone for the week ahead. The welcome reception continued with light bites and Brazil’s most iconic cocktail, the Caipirinha. Each drink was prepared individually, adding a special touch (and, admittedly, a queue) to the evening’s festivities.

Day One: A Strong Start

The first day of lectures began with a thought-provoking keynote from Sally Thomson-Irritani (University of Washington and the 3Rs Collaborative): “Beyond Boundaries: Advancing the 3Rs for Science and Care.” Her talk underscored the importance of pushing scientific innovation while maintaining a focus on humane care.

With seven parallel sessions running throughout the day, it was impossible to take in everything. I chose to attend sessions on:

• Transitioning to animal-free chemical safety assessment

• Development of non-animal methods for identifying respiratory sensitizers: reconciling differences in clinical diagnosis and regulatory policies

• Regulatory frameworks for complex endpoints
  

Each session reinforced the momentum in developing and implementing new approach methodologies (NAMs) that will shape the future of safety science.

Connections and Collaboration

My day concluded with AFSA Collaboration Dinner, where I had the honor of having the floor for 5 minutes to reflect on what I’ve learned and gained since joining the Collaboration. It was another moment of inspiration and connection in a week already rich with both.

Beyond the lectures, so far the Congress has been a chance to reconnect with colleagues from around the world and meet many new faces equally dedicated to advancing the 3Rs. The energy and exchange of ideas here are a reminder of how much progress is possible when science, regulation, and collaboration intersect.

Looking forward to sharing more conversations and learnings from WC13.

#WC13 #3Rs #NAMs #Toxicology #RegulatoryScience #AlternativesToAnimalTesting