Life-long learning

Life-long learning has become an integral part of today's professional world. Thanks to constant advances in science and technology, everyone is required to keep up to date with the latest developments through continuous professional development. While Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is commonplace in many medical and scientific disciplines, there is still a need to catch up, especially in the laboratory animal sector. This is because both the quality of research and animal welfare would benefit from up to date knowledge and skills. Apart from this, it is also entirely in the spirit of the EU-wide legal standard (Directive 2010/63/EU) to ensure that animal experiments are always carried out according to the latest knowledge in order to reduce animal suffering to an absolute minimum.

A group of experts made up of members of the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) has been working on the concept of CPD in order to produce a guideline for all those working in the laboratory animal sector. The guideline was based on the results of a survey conducted among association members on the subject of CPD. The following 7 principles were developed:

1) CPD for all those involved:
Advances in science and technology make it necessary to undergo continuous training. This applies to all categories of persons working in the laboratory animal sector as defined by FELASA. According to FELASA, there are the following 4 categories: A: Persons caring for animals B: Persons who carry out animal experiments C: Persons responsible for carrying out animal experiments D: Experts in the field of laboratory animal science

2) Flexible organisation of CPD:
There should be a variety of opportunities for CPD. Online seminars or face-to-face events, such as workshops, can be offered for this purpose. In addition to deepening theoretical knowledge, hands-on training sessions are also important in order to keep up to date with the latest and most animal-friendly practical knowledge.

3) CPD throughout your career:
It is important throughout your career to always be up to date with the latest knowledge. The learning process should never be interrupted and should always be adapted to the current field of work. 4) A points system to reward CPD: The time invested in CPD must also be able to be quantified in some way. A points system must be introduced for this. One point is awarded for one hour. Over a certain period, for example over 5 years, a certain points score must be achieved, adapted to the respective category. For example, a person in category A should collect around 5 points per year. People in the other categories should achieve 5 points more in stages (Category B: 10, Category C: 15, Category D: 20).

5) Evaluation of the CPD activities:
However, it should ultimately be possible to evaluate the activities offered in order to assess whether they are also suitable for achieving the objective. The appendix of the document (https://felasa.eu/Portals/1/Guidelines/Smith_2010_FELASA_Continuing_Education.pdf?ver=pE1sc7TlodGkaxv_qe7qIw%3d%3d) lists examples of possible activities as well as examples of activities that have already been scored.

6) Evaluation of the CPD programme:
The CPD programme set up by an institution should be evaluated and continuously updated by FELASA members.

7) Communication beyond national borders:
Knowledge should be shared and communicated, for which international courses should be offered.

Source:
Guidelines for continuing education for persons involved in animal experiments – Recommendations of a FELASA Working Group. Smith D, Dorier A, Hack R, Sjöquist M, Visa J, Zeller W, Ruane B, de Smet B, Weiss J. 2010 Jan (https://felasa.eu/Portals/1/Guidelines/Smith_2010_FELASA_Continuing_Education.pdf?ver=pE1sc7TlodGkaxv_qe7qIw%3d%3d)