Description
Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms underlying disease onset and progression has long been a central challenge for humankind. Medical advances over the past two centuries have significantly reduced early and widespread mortality, thanks to proactive scientific inquiry. To explore living systems in their systemic complexity, humans have not only studied themselves but also turned to animals—organisms that share a common evolutionary heritage. Each species offers a unique window into the evolutionary history of life and its phylogenetic branching points—insights that have been instrumental in unraveling key molecular and cellular mechanisms of human diseases, and in identifying novel therapeutic targets.
This lecture series offers a broad overview of the use of animals in scientific research—as models for human physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. We will examine the rise of comparative physiology and pathology, the complementarity of invertebrate and vertebrate models (including mammals), and the ethical and legal frameworks shaping their use. We will also explore emerging alternative methods and the importance of transparent science communication. The series will conclude with a participatory seminar encouraging critical, integrated reflection beyond polarized views.
Pedagogical Objectives
- List key animal models used in biomedical research
- Describe European and French regulations on the housing and use of animals for scientific purposes
- Identify ethical and societal issues related to animal-based research
- List innovative tools that serve as alternatives or complements to animal research
- Outline the benefits, limitations, and role of preclinical models within the therapeutic innovation pipeline, to foster a balanced and forward-looking discussion.
Content
- Animal research for scientific purposes: history of comparative animal and human pathology – Christophe Degueurce (EnvA)
- Alternative in vitro models: cells, organoids, organs-on-chip – Laurent Boyer, Muriel Coulpier (EnvA, Inrae, ANSES), Delphine Leroux (EnvA)
- Animal models in research: informed choice, added value, and complementarity
- Invertebrate models: BIPAR (EnvA) + Ilke Sen (IMRB)
- Vertebrate models: Laurent Tiret (EnvA)
- Primate models: Cécile Tuloup (Strasbourg)
- Ethics and animal experimentation – Guillemette Crépeaux (EnvA)
- Regulation of animal experimentation – Guillemette Crépeaux (EnvA)
- Implementation of the 3Rs: presentation of French initiatives (FC3R) – Athanassia Sotiropoulos
- Tools for creating genetically modified organisms (2 sessions) – Cochin
- Illustration of the impact of animal research on human health: neuromuscular disorders
- Preclinical evaluation of innovative gene, cell, and pharmacological therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and congenital myopathies – Inès Barthélemy (EnvA)
- From donor to patient: the Téléthon's chain of hope, between family support and collaborative research dynamics – Serge Braun (AFM)
- Society and animal research (GIRCOR or Poma UPEC)
- Tools for citizen communication between medical progress stakeholders and animal welfare advocates – To be determined (GIRCOR)
- In silico modeling and artificial intelligence: tools for progressive replacement and reduction of animals in research – To be determined
- EnvA / UPEC / IMRB Seminar: 1 day
Prerequisites
None
Training Period
Academic year 2025-2026
Duration
20 Hours
Mode of Teaching
Distance learning
SERIES Coordinator
Pr. Laurent Tiret
Contact
Eur-live@u-pec.fr
laurent.tiret@vet-alfort.fr
Français