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ShareMore than 100 industry, academic, and regulatory scientists from across India participated in first-of-their-kind trainings this month focused on advancing non-animal toxicity testing. The trainings were sponsored and hosted by PETA Science Consortium International, the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS), Jai Research Foundation (JRF), and the National Institute of Biologicals (NIB).
Held at JRF in Vapi, Gujarat from 2-4 October and at NIB in Noida, Uttar Pradesh from 6-8 October, the multi-day trainings included expert lectures and hands-on laboratory experience using several Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Test Guidelines. Participants gained practical experience applying human-relevant methods to assess endpoints such as skin and eye irritation, skin sensitisation, phototoxicity, and respiratory toxicity. The trainings were adapted from IIVS’ Practical Methods Training Course, which is offered three times per year at its facility in Maryland, US.
The tissue models used in the training were generously donated by MatTek and EPISKIN, and travel support for some attendees was provided by Colgate-Palmolive. Scientists from Corteva provided scientific input on the program.
The trainings build on efforts to expand access to and expertise in non-animal toxicology approaches in India, helping scientists build confidence in their use and increase their acceptance by regulatory agencies. In 2025, the Science Consortium and IIVS partnered to deliver a specialised course on non-animal toxicity testing for forty participants from the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) and the Central Insecticides Laboratory (CIL). The Science Consortium, IIVS, and Colgate also supported six Indian scientists to receive the Practical Methods training at the IIVS facility in the US.