The event took place in the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, and brought together prominent researchers and professionals in the field of laboratory animal science. Dr. Valenzuela also presented an additional poster titled “Teaching Bioethics using Active Learning tools”, co-authored with Micaela Ricca.

In addition to his participation in the academic sessions, Dr. Valenzuela attended the short course “Implementation of the ISO 35001 Standard in Animal Facilities: Biological Risk Management and Good Practices in Containment Environments”, deepening his training and updating his knowledge in key areas for the ethical and safe management of animal facilities, as well as for the training of future professionals.

Micaela Ricca, deputy director of the Veterinary Area of the Centro Ciencia & Vida of the USS, also had an outstanding participation as Certification Delegate of the Federation of Central American and Caribbean Societies (FeSAHANCCCAL) and the South American Federation of Laboratory Animal Science Societies (FESSACAL). Additionally, she participated as a member of the Governing Board of the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science, discussing the progress and challenges projected for the year 2025.

At the congress, Micaela Ricca presented two scientific posters focused on the area of animal reproduction, handling, and experimentation, titled “Compliance through comfort: how technicians improve rabbit behavior in research setting”, and “Effect of two different methods of handling on the variation of aggression behaviour in long-term group-housed SAM model”.

The participation of Dr. Sebastián Valenzuela and Micaela Ricca highlights the relevance of the Veterinary Area of the Centro Ciencia & Vida (FCV-USS) and positions their research in an international context, strengthening scientific and academic ties with institutions in the region and other latitudes.