Taconic Scientific Symposium Presentation for ResAL
Registration is now closed for the upcoming hybrid presentation on Wednesday April 26, 1:00 - 4:00 PM CET | Salle H8-01 Auditorium at FCBG
Taconic was founded as a family-owned company in 1952, pioneering Germ-Free models and also the first to be AAALAC accredited in the 1970s. The company has grown to be a global provider of genetically engineered rodent models, with several rodent breeding facilities in Europe (Denmark and Germany), and in the USA (several sites including on the East and West coasts).
Our global team works hand-in-hand with the world's leading pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic companies to generate genetically modified and humanized research models, and manage colonies and related projects to facilitate discovery while maintaining efficient use of resources.
Having animal facilities in Europe and the USA facilitates the transfer of lines (in vivo or in vitro format) when collaborating with CROs or academics based across the Atlantic.
Join us for this hybrid symposium to get insight from Taconic scientists on the following topics:
Talk 1: Existing Tools for Customized Model Generation Solutions: Pros & Cons About Different Methodologies
Presented by Dr. Benedikt Wefers, Scientific Program Manager, Custom Model Generation Solutions
Genetically engineered animal models are important tools for both academic fundamental research, as well as in pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications. Due to steady advances in gene targeting, increasingly sophisticated and highly customized models can be generated.
Attend this presentation, to get insight on:
• The three major methods to generate these customized models and will focus on their specific advantages and on their limitations & drawbacks.
• How choosing the correct methodology is not only important for the efficient and cost-effective generation of experimental models but is also key in the reduction of surplus animals in the sense of the 3Rs.
Talk 2: Characterization of New Animal Models and Gain Scientific Knowledge on Existing Models
Presented by Dr. Ivan Gladwyn-Ng, Associate Director, Field Application Sciences
The development and characterization of animal models capable of translating human responses are crucial to study the pathophysiology of disease and to generate new therapeutic methodologies. However, there is neither any in vivo nor in vitro model that can fully replicate the clinical condition. Therefore, it is important to enunciate the strengths and limitations of different model systems in fundamental and preclinical studies.
Attend this presentation to:
• Get an introduction to the overall concepts of preclinical drug discovery, and the underlying concepts regarding model validities.
• Review the commonly utilized in vivo models in preclinical neurodegenerative research, as well as their relative advantages and disadvantages.
• Participate in a general discussion regarding the combination of different genetic and surgical humanizations to generate humanized immune system mouse models for different diseases such as immuno-oncology and infectious disease.
Talk 3: Optimized Colony Management Solutions with Respect to 3Rs Principle
Presented by Dr. Julie Torvund-Jensen, Scientific Program Manager, Scientific Services
A growing focus on animal welfare and the 3 R’s, combined with increasingly strict regulations for animal euthanasia creates a need for optimized colony management solutions. Balancing the need for easily accessible study animals while limiting animal wastage can be challenging and requires meticulous planning.
During this presentation, we will cover the following:
• How Taconic’s AWARE Program™ increases the visibility of animal welfare and utilization in colony management projects.
• How upfront planning of breeding projects can reduce animal wastage.
• Available tools for optimized colony management with respect to the 3R’s
About The Presenters
Benedikt Wefers, PhD
Scientific Program Manager, Custom Model Generation Solutions
Dr. Benedikt Wefers is an expert in genome engineering, developmental genetics, and neurobiology, with more than 12 years of experience in custom mouse model generation. Before joining Taconic, Benedikt was head of the Mouse Genome Engineering Unit at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE, Munich, Germany), where he generated over one hundred mouse disease models for neuroscience research.
He received his Ph.D. from the Technical University of Munich in 2011, working on genetic mouse models to better understand emotional behaviors. Afterward, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Helmholtz Munich, focusing on the development of new genome modification tools for in vivo gene editing and improving the efficiency of precise gene targeting.
Ivan Gladwyn-Ng, PhD
Associate Director, Field Application Sciences
Dr. Ivan Gladwyn-Ng is passionate about accelerating advancements in human health by improving the care and application of in vivo animal models in the drug discovery and development processes. He is particularly engaged with translational oncological and infectious research as well as metabolic and neurological preclinical studies.
Ivan has led multi-disciplinary research teams with global collaborations in laboratories from diverse parts of the world, as adjunct researcher and post-doctoral research fellow in the Institut Pasteur (Paris, France), GIGA Institute (Liege, Belgium), and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research (Perth, Australia). He has multiple co-first & co-last authorships in Springer Nature, Cell Press, Science and Frontiers publications as well as patent applications in Europe and USA after successful acquisition of his first spin-off company. Prior to these, Ivan completed a post-graduate course at Harvard University after being conferred his doctorate at the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (Melbourne, Australia), with First-Class Honours (top student) after completing his undergraduate studies (B.Sc. (Med.)) at the Monash University.
Julie Torvund-Jensen, PhD
Scientific Program Manager, Scientific Services
Julie Torvund-Jensen has 3+ years of experience with developing and overseeing colony management programs for Genetically Engineered Models at Taconic. In her role as Scientific Program Manager, she provides scientific consultation on how to establish and maintain rodent colonies with a specific focus on genetic integrity and reducing animal waste.
Dr. Torvund-Jensen received her PhD in Molecular Biology from Aarhus University in 2017, where she used in vivo models to understand molecular mechanisms controlling the myelination process in the central nervous system. She conducted her post-doctoral research in metabolic diseases and inflammation.
Astrid Smits, MA
Client Relationship Manager
Astrid has a Master Degree in Management & International Trade from Avignon Université, and a BA in Foreign Languages from the University Sorbonne Nouvelle. She has 10 years of technical sales experience supporting life sciences customers in France and the greater area.
Astrid partners with biomedical research companies as an extension of their team. She develops creative solutions that address their current challenges, making scientific and business goals achievable. She strongly believes in custom solutions that bring the most value in every situation.
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