Program

Scand-LAS 2026 · Conference Programme

Scand-LAS 2026 places a strong focus on sustainability, and all information is therefore provided online. No printed materials will be available.

The online programme is fully mobile-friendly. Click on each day to expand the schedule, and use the search and track filters to easily find sessions and speakers.

Select “Read more” to view speaker abstracts.

Submitted oral and poster abstracts are available here: Abstract Book

Tuesday 26thHangar 4+5⌄

Opening sessions take place in Hangar 4+5. Welcome reception takes place at Copenhagen City Hall, and optional dinner takes place at Restaurant Påfuglen in Tivoli.

Time	Hangar 4+5
13:00 - 13:15	Opening ceremony
13:15 - 14:00	Chair: Ann-Christine Eklöf Mads Frost Bertelsen, Copenhagen Zoo Read more: Animal experiments in uncoventional species -who is the model?
14:00 - 14:45	Chair: Ann-Christine Eklöf Ruth Morgan, The Roslin Institute Read more: From horse to mouse to pig to man and back again: understanding the complexities of glucocorticoid biology
14:45–15:15	Coffee break
15:15 - 16:00	Chair: Ann-Christine Eklöf Karl Johan Öbrink Lecture: Morten Meldal, University of Copenhagen Read more: Click, molecular recognition and cell penetration from a peptide engineering perspective
16:00 - 16:45	Chair: Ann-Christine Eklöf Benedict Kjærgaard, Aalborg University Hospital Read more: Pig experiments helped us save patients with severe cardiopulmonary failure
19:00 - 20:00	Welcome reception at Copenhagen City Hall
20:00 - 22:00	Optional dinner at Restaurant Påfuglen in Tivoli

Wednesday 27thHangar 4 · Hangar 5 · Merlin (1st floor) · Charlie (1st floor)⌄

Parallel programme in Hangar 4, Hangar 5, Merlin (1st floor) and Charlie (1st floor). Poster setup takes place in the foyer area before lunch on Wednesday. Posters should remain displayed until Friday at 10:00 when dismantling takes place. The poster session will take place Wednesday at 16:30 in the foyer area.

Time	Hangar 4	Hangar 5	Merlin (1st floor)	Charlie (1st floor)
09:00	Non-animal methods for the future Chair: Otto Kalliokoski 09:00 - 09:25: Carla Alves, University of Southern Denmark Read more: Patient-derived in vitro cancer models as alternatives to animals in drug testing 09:25 - 09:50: Terje Svingen, Technical University of Denmark Read more: In vitro methods in reproductive toxicology – past and future 09:50 - 10:15: Eva Bay Wedeby, Technical University of Denmark Read more: QSAR, a cost-efficient in silico non-test method	The use of pigs in research Chair: Steven Van Cruchten, University of Antwerp Steven Van Cruchten, University of Antwerp Read more: Non-clinical safety testing of new drug modalities: what can we learn from minipigs? Kristine Freude, University of Copenhagen Read more: From Pig to Petri Dish: The Rise of Porcine iPSC Models — Applications and Limitations Thomas Emil Andersen, University of Southern Denmark. Read more: The pig as a model for development of urinary tract infection vaccines Elin Jørgensen, University of Copenhagen Read more: The use of Göttingen Minipigs in safety testing of a novel antimicrobial inhalation drug candidate	09:00 - 10:15 Education and Training Chair: Hanna-Marja Voipio Hanna-Marja Voipio, Scand-LAS Education and Training Committee Read more: Scand-LAS Education and Training Committee Presentations at the session: Klas Abelson: Education and training framework: Updates in CPD Daniel Kylmann Hansen: CPD, competence and skills assessment Daniel Kylmann Hansen: How to train staff and trainers Åsa Holmberg Wenell: What about the animals? Interactive poll	Hosted Session: Strategic Optimization of Sterilization in Research Facilities: Enhancing Operational Versatility and Regulatory Compliance through Saturated Steam. Carme Carrillo, Matachana Read more.
10:15–10:45	Coffee break
10:45	Automatization in the animal house Chair: Dorte Bratbo Sørensen 10:45 - 11:10: Glenn Gunner Brink Nielsen, Danish Technological Institute Read more: Automated Home Cage Monitoring of EAE Mice 11:10 -11:35: Liza Tchapanova Albrektson, TrackPaw Scientific Read more: Evaluating automatic detection of incompatibility between male mice for timely intervention using TrackPaw 11:35 - 12:00: Gabriel Pedersen, Statens Serum Institute Read more: Automated monitoring in animal models for studies of vaccines against viral infections	Animals in neuroscience Chair: Klas Abelson 10:45 - 10:55: Abstract: Mouse Models for Neuroscience and Study Design Considerations Evelyn Ordones Sanchez, The Jackson Laboratory 10:55 - 11:15: Sara Hestehave, University of Copenhagen Read more: Animals in pain research – pushing for a better future for mouse and man 11:15 - 11:35: Gitta Wörtwein, University of Copenhagen Read more: Bridging the Translational Gap: Ethical and Methodological Challenges in Modeling Anxiety and Depression 11:35 - 11:55: Kristine Freude, University of Copenhagen Read more: Alzheimer’s Disease Models Are Broken—But Rodent and Human iPSC Systems Might Work Together 11:55 - 12:00: Time for questions	Experimental design Chair: Otto Kalliokoski, University of Copenhagen 10:45 - 11.05: Abstract: Animal welfare and study reproducibility are impacted by home cage relative humidity Hannah Louise Zakariassen, University of Copenhagen 11:05 - 11.25: Abstract: Consider the diet carefully when designing microbiome experiments in rodents Michael Pellizzon, Research Diets, Inc. 11:25 - 11:45: Abstract: Designing for Robustness: Accounting for Genetic Drift in Model Selection and Experimental Planning Evelyn Ordones Sanchez, The Jackson Laboratory 11:45 - 12:00: Otto Kalliokoski, University of Copenhagen Read more: Doing away with irresponsible practices in sample size estimation – the case of the Resource Equation
12:00–13:00	Lunch
13:00	Have the animals become too clean? Chair: Axel Kornerup Hansen 13:00 - 13:35: Stephan Rosshart, University Hospital Erlangen Read more: Born to be Wild – Wildlings, a novel translational research model for human diseases 13:35 - 14:10: Preben Boysen, Norwegian University of Life Sciences Read more: A farm-type natural habitat protects mice from gut inflammation and colon cancer 14:10 14:45: Camilla Hartmann Friis Hansen, University of Copenhagen Read more: Has the SPF concept gone too far?	The use of fish in research Chair: Louise Gersdorff Jørgensen, University of Copenhagen Louise Gersdorff Jørgensen, University of Copenhagen Read more: Visualization of innate immune responses in zebrafish Lars Bräutigam, Karolinska Institutet Read more: The Zebrafish in Biomedical Research. Opportunities and Limitations Chloe Stevens, RSPCA Read more: Refinement for laboratory fishes - towards positive welfare?	Anaesthesia and analgesia Chair: Klas Abelson 13:00 - 13:30: Klas Abelson, University of Copenhagen Read more: Anaesthesia and analgesia in animal experiments – best practices and avoidance of confounding factors 13:30 - 13:45: Abstract: Inhalant Anesthesia before Euthanasia with CO2 in Laboratory Mice: improvement or change for the worse? Philipp Villiger, Zurich Integrative Rodent Physiology (ZIRP), Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich UZH, Zurich, Switzerland 13:45 - 14:00: Abstract: Can home-cage-monitoring-derived activity metrics detect postoperative pain in the plantar incision model? Morten Malmberg, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen 14:00 - 14:15: Abstract: Inhalant Anesthesia before Euthanasia with CO2 in Laboratory Mice: improvement or change for the worse? Philipp Villiger, Zurich Integrative Rodent Physiology (ZIRP), Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich UZH, Zurich, Switzerland 14:15 - 14:30: Abstract: Microcirculatory impact of vatinoxan and fentanyl in male Wistar rats sedated with medetomidine and midazolam Emily Lindh, University of Helsinki 14:30 - 14:45: Abstract: When can we trust the Rat Grimace Scale for detection of pain? Helene Dragelund Garcia, University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Biomedicine, Frederiksberg	Hosted Session: Reproducibility, Timelines, Budgets, AND the 3Rs: Overcoming Challenges for Colony Management. Urte Jaeh, Charles River Read more
14:45–15:15	Coffee break
15:15–16:30	Models and methods Chair: Hannah Zakariassen 15:15 - 15:30: Abstract: Thermoneutral environment improves mouse welfare and reduces stress in metabolic cages Philipp Villiger, Zurich Integrative Rodent Physiology (ZIRP), Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich UZH, Zurich, Switzerland 15:30 - 15:45: Abstract: The novel Urination Index digital biomarker: Non-invasive detection of hyperglycemia in mouse models of diabetes Thomas Svava Nielsen, TSN Scientific 15:45 - 16:00: Abstract: The Devil in the Detail: Late-Onset Vascular Complications in Mouse Carotid Artery Catheterization Thomas Svava Nielsen, TSN Scientific 16:00 - 16:15: Abstract: Enhancing Laboratory Animal Welfare Through Clear Definitions of Furnishings and Enrichment Sara Barr, Swedish National Committee for the Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes, Swedish Board of Agriculture, Jönköping, Sweden & Department of Experimental Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden 16:15 - 16:30: Abstract: The iMouse System – visual inspection meets AI-based longitudinal analysis of standardized behaviours Janine Kah, iMouse	Refinement Chair: Sara Hestehave, University of Copenhagen 15:15 - 15:30: Abstract: Evaluation of Structural Environment and Implementation of Novel Foraging Strategies in NHP/Large Animals Nadine Suendermann, Zoonlab 15:30 - 15:45: Abstract: Sex-Specific Constraints on Refinement and Model Validity in a Severe Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model Ansar Fasaludeen, University of Copenhagen, Denmark 15:45 - 16:00: Abstract: Let's dare to face the future Kathrin Reiser, Karolinska University Hospital 16:00 - 16:15: Abstract: Refining Indirect Calorimetry Experiments by Defining Habituation Requirements in Mice Philipp Villiger, Zurich Integrative Rodent Physiology (ZIRP), Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich UZH, Zurich, Switzerland 16:15 - 16:30: Abstract: Refinement is great, critically adapting it is better Britta Klein, Central Animal Facility, University of Muenster	The use of NHP in biomedical research – do we still need it!? Chair: Lars Friis Mikkelsen, LarSolution Jann Hau, University of Copenhagen Read more: Do we still need Non-Human Primates (NHPs) in biomedical research? Majken Dalgaard, Novo Nordisk Read more: NHP Research – Do We Still Need It? Advancing Porcine Models as Predictive Alternatives in Nonclinical Safety Assessment Lars Siim Madsen, Ellegaard Göttingen Minipigs Read more: Enhancing translational success in drug development: The Göttingen Minipig as a preclinical model
16:30 - 17:00	Poster session – Foyer area. Read more: Abstract There will be a prize for the best poster. The voting will take place by the audience during the conference. The winner will be announced at the closing ceremony. The prize is a free registration for the next Scand-LAS meeting (Norway 2028).
19:00	Exhibitors evening in the Exhibition Hall

Thursday 28thHangar 4 · Hangar 5 · Merlin (1st floor) · Charlie (1st floor)⌄

Parallel programme in Hangar 4, Hangar 5, Merlin (1st floor) and Charlie (1st floor)

Time	Hangar 4	Hangar 5	Merlin (1st floor)	Charlie (1st floor)
09:00	The use of animals for frontline research Chair: Jann Hau 09:00 - 09:25: Jens Juul Holst, University of Copenhagen Read more: Experimental animals in the development of GLP-1 receptor agonists 09:25 - 09:50: Lotte B. Knudsen, Novo Nordisk GLP-1: Lessons Learned and New Horizons for Therapeutic Innovation 09:50 - 10:15: Jonathan Coquet, University of Copenhagen Read more: Use of wildling mice in immunology research	Training of laboratory animals Chair: Cathrine Juel Bundgaard, Novo Nordisk 09:00 - 09:30 Dorte Bratbo Sørensen, University of Copenhagen Read more: Animal Training at a Glance – Status of the AAALAC-FELASA Big Training and Conditioning for Research Working Group 09:30 - 10: 15 Annette Pedersen, Copenhagen Zoo Abstract: Habituation as low-effort alternative to structured training achieving substantial welfare benefits in pigs Jennifer Mein, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Radiology	Do we still need animals in biomedical research – an ethical dilemma!? Chair: Lars Bräutigam, Karolinska Institutet Per Sangild, University of Copenhagen Read more: Scientific Knowledge and Personal Passion in the R´s of Animal Experimentation Lars Bräutigam, Karolinska Institutet Communicating animal research: the importance of being open Jan Lund Ottesen The Three R’s - what has changed the last 25 years Abstract: Science, faith and uncertainties in translational neuroscience: Insights from pig models of infant brain development Eva Maria Meier Carlsen, Centre for Science and Faith, Faculty of Theology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
10:15–10:45	Coffee break
10:45	Progress in biomedical research Chair: Torben Sølbech Rasmussen 10:45 - 11:10: ZOOM Presentation: Maiken Nedergaard, University of Copenhagen 11:10 - 11:35: Mani Arumugam, University of Copenhagen Read more: Integrating data-driven microbiome analysis with ex vivo gut models 11:35 - 11:50: Abstract: NAMs vs. animal research: do we really need to choose sides? Monique Sundin, European Animal Research Association (EARA) 11:50 - 12:05: Abstract: FAIR Metadata as a New Approach Methodology for Virtual Control Groups in Preclinical Research Damien Huzard	Training of laboratory animals Chair: Cathrine Juel Bundgaard, Novo Nordisk 10:45 - 11:30 Mikkel Lykke Krarup & Stine Drent, Scantox Read more: Making Training Work in CROs: From Strategy to Practice 11:30 - 12:00 Abstract: Trained behaviour as a window into individual rat welfare Jennifer Mein, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Radiology Panel discussion	Workshop Chair: Klas Abelson, University of Copenhagen Klas Abelson, Helene Dragelund Garcia, Sara Hestehave, University of Copenhagen Read more: Experimental Surgery
12:00–13:00	Lunch	Lunch	Scand-LAS Annual General Meeting	Lunch
13:00	Animal welfare and welfare assessment Chair: Klas Abelson 13:00 - 13:45: David Fraser, University of British Colombia Read more: New developments in animal welfare science 13:45 - 14:00: Abstract: Contactless Monitoring Approaches for Postoperative Surveillance and Severity Assessment in Pigs: A Methodological Overview Lisa Ernst, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen 14:00 - 14:15: Abstract: Standardized, Study-Specific Animal Welfare Monitoring (AWM) to Elevate Compliance and Scientific Quality Aina Moe, Animal Sciences and Technologies, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden 14:15 - 14:30: Abstract: Advancing 3R´s: A Heated Shelter Enabling In-cage Surveillance and Improved Postoperative Care Lena William-Olsson, AstraZeneca 14:30 - 14:45: Abstract: Before Clinical Signs Appear: Continuous Body Temperature Monitoring for Early Detection of Compromised Welfare in Mice Thomas Svava Nielsen, TSN Scientific	Animal welfare at the breeders – now & future Chair: Cathrine Juel Bundgaard, Novo Nordisk Peter Hansen, Taconic Biosciences Read more: Animal welfare at the breeders - now and in the future Mathilde Mosca, Janvier Labs Read more: Animal Welfare at Janvier LABS Amelie Scholtz, Inotiv Read more: Good welfare: from start to finish Tine Rudolph, Charles River Read more: Animal Welfare at Charles River Laboratories Panel discussion	Microbiomics Chair: Camilla Hartmann 13:00 - 13:25: Torben Sølbech Rasmussen, University of Copenhagen Read more: Bacteriophages as drivers of safe and standardized gut microbiome restoration 13:25 - 13:50: Fredrik Bäckhed, University of Gothenburg Read more: Gut microbiome and cardiometabolic disease: gnotobiotic mouse models to investigate causality and mechanisms 13:50 - 14:15: Andrew Williams, University of Copenhagen Read more: Size matters: Pig and mouse models in diet-pathogen-microbiome research 14:15 - 14:25: Abstract: Behavioural phenotyping of the Wildling mouse model Pia Kahnau, German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals and Experimental Toxicology (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany 14:25 - 14:35: Abstract: Impact of Natural Gut Microbiota and Pathogens on Skin Inflammation in BALB/c Mice and Wildlings Ida Wang Henriksen, University of Copenhagen: The Faculty of Health Sciences 14:35 - 14:45: Abstract: Continuous Room Decontamination: Implementation of Far-UVC Preben Leonhardt, UV Medico	Hosted Session: The development of an Animal Core Facility as a research infrastructure within the UCPH Center for Core Facilities. Peter Bollen, University of Copenhagen Read more
14:45–15:15	Coffee break
15:15	Perinatal animal research Chair: Thomas Thymann, University of Copenhagen Thomas Thymann, University of Copenhagen Steven Van Cruchten, University of Antwerp Read more: Minipigs as translational model for perinatal asphyxia and extreme preterm birth	Culture of care Chair: Lotte Martoft, Aim2Achieve Chloe Stevens, RSPCA Read more: Caring for the carers: avoiding compassion fatigue Lotte Martoft, Aim2Achieve Read more: Culture of Care where animal welfare and data quality meet in animal research	Past, present and future animal use Chair: Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup & Axel Kornerup Hansen 15:15 - 15:40: Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup, Aarhus University Read more: The history of using animals for research 15:40 - 16:05: Ann-Christine Eklöf Read more: The history of Scandinavian Laboratory Animal Science 16:05 - 16:40: Axel Kornerup Hansen, University of Copenhagen Read more: The future of using animals for research
17:30	Dinner & party at Wallmans

Friday 29thHangar 4+5⌄

Plenary sessions in Hangar 4+5.

Time	Hangar 4+5
09:15	Chairs: Axel Kornerup Hansen & Klas Abelson Why are we so hooked on using mice and rats? 09:15 - 09:45: Tobias Wang, University of Aarhus 09:45 - 10:15: Klas Abelson, University of Copenhagen Read more: The naked mole rat (Heterocephalus Glaber) as an animal model in pain research
10:15–10:45	Coffee break
10:45	Why are we so hooked on using mice and rats? Chair: TBD 10:45 - 11:10: Pernille Tveden-Nyborg, University of Copenhagen Read more: Experiences with guinea pigs as research models 11:10 - 11:35: Rikke Buhl, University of Copenhagen Read more: The Horse as a Translational Disease Model: A Dual Benefit for Human and Veterinary Medicine 11:35 - 12:00: Kim Rewitz, University of Copenhagen Read more: A reappraisal of in vivo models in biomedical research: how fruit flies bridge a critical gap in the discovery pipeline
12:00–12:15	Closing ceremony