Mouse Models: Genetics, Breeding and Experimental Design

This popular course provides essential training in designing, undertaking
analysis and reporting experiments using mice. In addition, participants
will learn how to ensure animals of the appropriate quality are generated
through the use of best practices in breeding and control of the animal
environment.

The course (formally Genetics, Breeding and Welfare of Laboratory Mice)
is a collaboration between the MRC Harwell, South Australian Health and
Medical Research Institute and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. The
content has continually evolved to meet the requirements of the mouse
research community. The focus this year will be on experimental design to
maximise animal welfare and the application of the 3Rs.

Mice now account for almost 70% of animals used in scientific research,
and the number of mice used continues to grow annually. Over the past few
years there has been an increased focus on the enhancing validity and
reproducibility of research outcomes. Preclinical research using animal
models appears to be particularly susceptible to this problem. The
reasons are many, and include the use of non-standardised strains and
housing conditions, poor experimental design, inappropriate data analysis
or inadequate reporting of experimental conditions in publications.

Applications are invited from research and scientific staff who
coordinate experimental work on genetically altered mouse lines,
including the maintenance of mouse colonies. Applicants should ideally
have degree-standard knowledge of genetics, or equivalent.

The course will start at approximately 9.00 on Monday, 13 June and close
at approximately 16.30 on Friday, 17 June 2016. This is a residential
course. All students are requested
to stay onsite for the full duration
to benefit fully from discussions
and interactions with the faculty and
other students.

Topics will include:

• Overview of mouse genetics & strains
• Gene & strain nomenclature
• Aspects of good colony management
• Breeding strategies for maintaining inbred, outbred and genetically altered lines
• Establishing and maintaining transgenic lines and gene targeted lines
• Conditional and inducible transgenesis
• CRISPR/Cas9 and emerging technologies for generating GA colonies
• Genotyping
• Quality control strategies for mouse lines
• Workshops on designing breeding programs
• Cryopreservation
• Electronic tools for colony management
• Experimental design:
  • Randomisation and blinding
  • The experimental unit
  • Calculating experimental numbers
  • The 3Is
  • Ethics and the 3Rs
  • Experimental controls
  • Statistical analysis
  • Standardisation and variability: effects of the environment, time and health status on experimental results
• Pilot experiments

Scientific programme committee
James Bussell Wellcome Trust
Sanger Institute, UK
Neil Dear South Australian Health and Medical
Research Institute, Australia
Sara Wells MRC Harwell, UK

Keynote speakers
Ian Jackson University of Edinburgh, UK
Patrick Bateson University of Cambridge, UK

Confirmed tutors
Ben Davies University of Oxford, UK
Martin Fray MRC Harwell, UK
Andy Greenfield MRC Harwell, UK
Elliot Lilley RSPCA, UK
Terry Meehan EMBL-EBI, UK
Ed Ryder Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, UK
Lydia Teboul MRC Harwell, UK

Event organiser
Emily Rees Wellcome Genome Campus, UK

Fees

The fees include accommodation, meals and lectures for the duration of
the course. The fee will be requested once acceptance is confirmed.

Accommodation
This is a residential course. All participants will stay at The Wellcome
Genome Campus Conference Centre, Hinxton, Cambridge, for the nights of
13, 14, 15 & 16 June 2016.

If you wish to book onsite accommodation either side of the summer
school/course dates, please contact the Conference
Centre directly.

Applications
Application deadline: 22 April 2016 (Now closed for
applications)

Places on this course are limited to 30 students and will be awarded on
merit. Applications are invited from research and scientific staff who
coordinate experimental work on genetically altered mouse lines,
including the maintenance of mouse colonies. Applicants should ideally
have degree-standard knowledge of genetics, or equivalent. The selection
process will take place in late April 2016.

The following will need to be provided:

• Qualifications and justification for attendance
• A list of relevant publications
• A scientific outline of current research
• Supervisor’s details: your supervisor will then receive an e-mail requesting a supporting statement to complete your application.

Please note: Applications cannot be considered without a
supervisor’s supporting statement.

Travel visas
Please contact the event organiser if you require a letter to support a
travel visa application. Note that letters will be provided to confirmed
attendees.

Non-European Economic Area or Swiss nationals may be required to have a
visa to enter the UK.
Early application is strongly advised, as this process can take 6-8 weeks
or longer.

Please visit the following websites for further information:
UK Border Agency website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/
Information for general visitors and business visitors: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/business/business-activities/