The 19th Experimental Animal Use Certification Training Program, organized under the coordination of the Ondokuz Mayıs University Local Ethics Committee for Animal Experiments (OMU HADYEK), was successfully completed through the collaboration of the Experimental Animals Application and Research Center (DEHAM), the Continuing Education Center (OMUSEM), and the Distance Education Application and Research Center (UZEM).

The program, which began in May with theoretical courses, aimed to enhance participants’ ethical, legal, and scientific competencies regarding the use of laboratory animals for scientific purposes. The training covered topics including animal welfare, care and use of laboratory animals, research planning, relevant national legislation, ethical review processes, and principles of scientific practice.

The practical training phase was conducted at DEHAM through a total of 35 hours of face-to-face instruction. Under the guidance of expert trainers, participants gained comprehensive knowledge and practical skills related to species-specific biological and behavioral characteristics of laboratory animals, appropriate care and housing conditions, safe handling and application techniques, and research methods that prioritize animal welfare.

Throughout the program, it was emphasized that the use of animals in scientific research should be limited to cases where it is necessary and scientifically justified. Particular attention was given to the internationally recognized 3Rs principles, Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement, as well as ethical responsibility, animal welfare, scientific validity, and research reproducibility.

Following the completion of both the theoretical and practical training components, 39 participants successfully passed the final assessment and became eligible to receive the Experimental Animal Use Certificate.

The program contributes to the development of an ethical research culture and supports the training of qualified researchers capable of conducting animal-based scientific studies in accordance with national regulations and internationally recognized ethical and scientific standards.