Symposium Theme: Training Methods in Non-Human Primates
Training is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of modern primate care and biomedical research. Evidence-based approaches such as positive reinforcement training (PRT), cooperative handling and desensitisation protocols play a critical role in refining procedures, improving welfare, and enhancing the reliability of scientific data.
The 2026 symposium will explore:
- Practical implementation of training programmes in research facilities
- Integration of behavioural training into veterinary and husbandry practices
- Refinement of clinical and research procedures through cooperative techniques
- Measuring welfare outcomes and scientific benefits
- Institutional approaches to behavioural management and staff training
- Challenges and solutions across academic, industry and CRO environments
We invite submissions for presentations related to the symposium theme.
Oral Presentations
- Abstract length: maximum 300 words
- Presentation: 20–25 minutes plus discussion
Clinical Case Reports
- Abstract length: maximum 150 words
- Presentation: 10 minutes plus discussion
Submission deadline: 15 June 2026
Notification of acceptance: by 30 June 2026
Abstracts should include author names and affiliations and should be submitted to:
EPV Symposium 2026
Scientific Programme
Day - 24th of September
| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 08:00 | Registration |
| 08:45 | Welcome |
| 08:50 | Sponsors Presentation |
| 09:00 | The marmoset as a model system for studying the neural basis of vocal communication |
| 09:30 | "Jointly working towards Working Memory - A Cross-Species Enterprise" |
| 10:00 | From the home cage to the experimental setup: marmoset training techniques |
| 10:30 | Coffee Break |
| 11:00 | Training nonhuman primates – benefits & legal framework (in Europe) |
| 11:30 | Beyond Compliance: Rethinking Indicators of Welfare in Trained Primates |
| 12:00 | Enhancing Animal Welfare through Vet-Animal Welfare Team Synergy |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30 | Introduction to Non-Human Primate Training in the Research Environment - Part1 |
| 15:00 | Coffee Break |
| 15:30 | Introduction to Non-Human Primate Training in the Research Environment - Part 2 |
| 17:00 | EPV Business Meeting |
| 19:00 | Gala Dinner |
Day 2 - 25th September
| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 09:30 | Surgical Treatment of Traumatic Elbow Dislocation in Two Juvenile Rhesus Macaques |
| 09:45 | Paternal Lineage as a Risk Factor for Inguinal Hernia in Cynomolgus Monkeys: A Retrospective Analysis |
| 10:00 | Successful Management of Recurrent Vaginal Prolapse in a Rhesus Macaque Using a Human Pessary |
| 10:15 | |
| 10:30 | Coffee Break |
| 11:00 | "The neurophysiology of active vision" |
| 11:30 | Management of Juvenile Baboons with Orthotopic Cardiac Xenotransplantation of Genetically Engineered Pig Hearts as proof of concept for a bridge to Allotransplantation |
| 12:00 | NHPs training for inhalational studies |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 13:30 | Confiscated Vervet Monkeys in the Israeli Primate Sanctuary |
| 14:00 | Facility-wide, culturally grounded approaches to behavioral management: building a comprehensive Behavior Management Program from the ground up in a Large Asian nonhuman primate breeding facility. |
| 14:30 | From Smuggled to Social: How the Israeli Primate Sanctuary Rehabilitates Confiscated Monkeys |
| 15:00 | Coffee Break |
| 15:30 | Training of apes and nonhuman primates in the Wilhelma |
| 16:30 | Meeting Closure |