Fish and amphibian embryo models are highly popular in the area of toxicology, both in research, industry and potential regulatory application. These models exhibit a number of advantages which make them superior and/or complementary to others. In compliance with international animal welfare regulations, the fish and amphibian embryo models provide an ethically acceptable small scale analysis system with the complexity of a complete organism. A suite of available advanced methodologies allows various types of experimental approaches ranging from phenotypic observations, functional assays to “omics” analysis. The ultimate goal of the symposium is to promote the development of the fish and frog embryo models as potential alternatives to animal testing.
Four exciting symposia were held between 2010 and 2016 with a strong focus on the zebrafish model. The symposium aims to bring together scientists using fish and frog embryo models, exchange knowledge, ideas and latest developments in the field of toxicology and teratology. Invited lectures will focus on specific topics. Breakout sessions will allow to identify major advantages, limitations, new fields and future research needs of the fish/amphibian embryo model and to establish collaborations.

Three breakout sessions are at present planned (session 1 will kindly be supported and organised by Joop de Knecht and Leo van der Ven, RIVM)

1. Combining toxicokinetics, biotransformation and AOP development in zebrafish embryos for development of predictive assays

2. Testing for neuroactivity/-toxicity

3. Prediction of developmental toxicity/integrating testing strategies

There might be slight changes in the topics of the breakout sessions depending on the interest of the participants and their contributions.

Wed. 28.11. – 30.11.2018 L'Oréal • 1 Avenue Eugène Schueller, 93600 Aulnay-sous-Bois, France