The VICT3R project kicked off with an inspiring meeting in Barcelona on 26-27 September 2024! With over 70 attendees in person and more than 50 joining online, the enthusiasm and commitment to this transformative project were palpable. From the outset, participants engaged in meaningful discussions and brought forward exciting proposals, setting a positive and proactive tone for the project’s journey ahead.
What made this meeting stand out was the active involvement of consortium members even before the event. Instead of the usual approach where the kick-off meeting covers initial overviews, VICT3R partners were ready with concrete preliminary results and ideas on how to tackle the work – a testament to the passion behind our mission to reduce animal testing through Virtual Control Groups (VCGs).
Key moments from the meeting include:
- A strong focus on avoiding “WP silos.” We took a cross-WP approach with joint sessions designed to foster collaboration and alignment across data sharing and curation, AI models and statistics, computer system validation, and other essential areas.
- Lively discussions on how best to involve regulatory bodies from the project start, ensuring that VCG methodologies align with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards and can be accepted in nonclinical safety assessments.
We were also delighted to have representatives from the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) join us, providing valuable input on how VICT3R aligns with IHI’s overarching goals.
The collaborative spirit during the Kick-off Meeting was truly energizing. A heartfelt thank you to all the partners and participants for your enthusiasm, hard work, and commitment. We look forward to continuing this exciting journey together!
