On September 23–24, the In Life Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn hosted a two-day workshop as part of the CROSSPATHS project. The event brought together laboratory managers, researchers, and technical experts from across Europe to discuss common challenges, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies for laboratory management and animal research.

With participants from Poland, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Estonia, the workshop provided a unique platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Sessions focused on laboratory management, intellectual property, animal research ethics, and animal welfare, reflecting CROSSPATHS’ mission to improve scientific infrastructures and promote responsible research practices.

1. Day 1: Addressing the Challenges of Laboratory Management

The event opened with welcoming remarks by Prof. Mariusz Piskuła, the CROSSPATHS project coordinator. This was followed by Michał Żurek, Deputy Director for General Affairs at the In Life Institute, who shared the Institute’s journey of transforming from dispersed facilities into a modern, integrated campus. This transformation included the creation of open laboratories and shared core facilities, fostering collaboration and optimizing resources.

1.1. Exploring Innovative Laboratory Practices

Participants had the opportunity to tour the Institute’s state-of-the-art laboratories, gaining insight into its infrastructure and operational models.

Anne-Marieke Smid and Jan-Hendrik Mica from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and Wageningen Livestock Research (WLR) introduced their institutions’ missions and structures. Their presentation highlighted WUR’s strong focus on applied research, collaborations with industry, the use of experimental farms, and the integration of the 3Rs principle—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—in animal experimentation.

1.2. Identifying Core Challenges

A key part of the day was dedicated to exploring the real-world challenges faced by laboratory managers. Presentations were delivered by:

• Rui Magalhães (UCP) – Manager of Cell Culture and Molecular Biology Platforms
• Cristina Santos (UCP) – Technical Manager of the Analytical Platform for Instrumental Analysis Methods
• Hedi Kaldmäe (EMU) – Head of Analysis Unit
• Marek Bogacki (In Life) – Head of Cell Analysis Laboratory

Their insights sparked a dynamic group discussion about practical difficulties such as limited budgets, staff shortages, equipment overuse, and managing diverse user expectations. Participants shared strategies for overcoming these challenges and improving the performance of their facilities.

2. Key Themes and Strategies Discussed

The discussions emphasized several overarching strategies for strengthening laboratory management:

• Collaboration and Training: Building networks for peer support and knowledge exchange while ensuring that staff are continuously trained to manage emerging technologies and challenges.
• Data Management: Enhancing systems to handle complex datasets securely and efficiently.
• Defining Facility Strengths: Identifying unique selling points to better position facilities in the competitive research landscape.
• Balancing Flexibility with Standardization: Offering tailored services while maintaining operational consistency.

When asked to rate their facilities’ utilization, participants gave scores ranging between 4 and 9 out of 10, underlining room for improvement. Suggested actions included better coordination between institutions, targeted training programs, and building stronger institutional partnerships.

2.1. Positioning Research Facilities

Another key topic was how to position research facilities as service providers. This involved exploring client-oriented business models while navigating regulatory and budgetary constraints. Participants discussed:

• Effective communication of facility strengths to stakeholders and potential collaborators
• Finding the right balance between open access policies and controlled environments
• Managing indirect expenses, which typically account for 7–10% of total costs
• Adapting operational models to local regulations and funding structures

The group concluded by emphasizing the importance of ongoing collaboration, particularly within the framework of European projects like CROSSPATHS, to share experiences and develop common solutions.

2.2. Intellectual Property: A Strategic Priority

The first day ended with a lecture by Inna Dimova from Innotrope, who provided an overview of European intellectual property (IP) rights.
Key highlights included:

• Patents as tools to protect inventions and foster innovation
• The role of copyright, which is automatic upon creation and lasts for the author’s lifetime plus 70 years
• The strategic use of trademarks for branding and identity protection
• Trade secrets as an alternative to patents in certain cases

She stressed the importance of strategic IP management, especially in collaborative projects, to ensure clarity and prevent conflicts between partners.

3. Day 2: Focusing on Animal Research and Welfare

The second day shifted focus to animal research, addressing both ethical considerations and practical laboratory challenges.

Jerzy Juśkiewicz (In Life) opened the session by discussing the ethical debates between activists and scientists, highlighting the importance of exploring alternatives to in vivo testing wherever possible.

Following this, Radosław Kowalski (In Life) presented Poland’s legal framework for animal research, emphasizing the role of oversight committees in ensuring animal welfare and compliance with ethical standards.

3.1. Improving Animal Welfare

One session focused on how improving animal welfare directly benefits research outcomes. Participants discussed how enriched environments and proper handling techniques can:

• Increase animal survival rates
• Improve the reliability of experimental results
• Reduce stress, leading to more ethically responsible research

The group also reflected on the public perception of animal research, stressing the need for transparent communication with society to build trust and understanding.

3.2. Innovative Approaches in Livestock Research

Later in the day, Anne-Marieke Smid and Jan-Hendrik Mica presented WUR and WLR’s extensive research portfolio. A highlight was the Animal Farming Systems Group, which focuses on animal-centered farming practices and circular agriculture systems.

They introduced the ANCA2 project, which aims to optimize nutrient cycling and reduce environmental impacts in dairy farming. This initiative represents how cutting-edge science can support both animal welfare and sustainable agricultural practices.

4. Closing Discussions and Future Collaboration

The workshop concluded with a tour of the newly opened animal facility at the In Life Institute. This provided participants with a first-hand look at the Institute’s latest investments in infrastructure and welfare standards.

In the final session, participants discussed future collaboration opportunities enabled by CROSSPATHS. There was a shared commitment to continue building networks, sharing expertise, and developing joint projects to address the evolving challenges of laboratory and animal research management.

5. Key Takeaways

The CROSSPATHS workshop in Olsztyn highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and responsibility in research. Over two days, participants exchanged valuable knowledge and strategies that will strengthen laboratory management and promote ethical animal research across Europe.

By fostering open dialogue and cross-institutional partnerships, CROSSPATHS continues to build a robust foundation for future scientific advancements.

This event marks another step forward in the project’s mission to connect research facilities, enhance resource sharing, and drive positive change in the European research ecosystem.

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