Designing and conducting a tailored in vivo study

The first objective is to determine what is scientifically relevant and technically achievable: model, procedures, environment, measurements, timeline, biosafety constraints and support arrangements.

Which projects is this approach suited to?

This approach is particularly suitable if you wish to:

• develop or adapt an infectious, inflammatory or immunological model
• study host–microbe–environment interactions, microbiota, nutrition or metabolism
• explore questions involving physiology, behaviour, reproduction, development or genetics
• establish a study using a rodent or fish model
• combine breeding, procedures and longitudinal monitoring
• add a functional phenotyping or imaging measurement to an existing study
• assess a project involving BSL2 containment
• work with a genetically modified line within a compatible scope
• transfer or adapt an experimental method
• explore a non-standard need compatible with IERP capabilities

Feasibility assessed before a study is proposed

Feasibility is assessed across several complementary dimensions:

Scientific: can the model and measurements address the question?

Technical: are the necessary procedures, equipment and skills available or adaptable?

Capacity: can the required space, animals and resources be made available within the intended timeline?

Regulatory: can the project and procedures be accommodated within the applicable regulatory framework?

Biosafety: are the containment, GMO or biological agent constraints compatible with the available facilities?

This stage also helps identify points requiring clarification or development before a commitment is made.

What IERP can provide

According to the scope agreed together, IERP can contribute to:

• designing or adapting the experimental project
• animal production, breeding or housing
• study preparation and coordination
• experimental procedures, administration and routine sampling, including blood or organ sampling, according to the protocol
• longitudinal monitoring
• behavioural studies
• functional phenotyping
• development of tailored methods or protocols
• data processing and analysis developments, available on a case-by-case basis through collaborations or R&D projects; data delivery is defined according to the agreed scope

Available models and facilities

Depending on the scientific question, the study may use:

• rodent facilities: mice, rats and hamsters, breeding, housing, genetically modified models, BSL2 containment and challenge studies, subject to feasibility
• aquaculture facilities: trout, carp and zebrafish, controlled health statuses, BSL2 containment and challenge studies, subject to feasibility
• the functional phenotyping platform for in vivo, ex vivo and 3D measurements

Technologies are used only when they provide a relevant answer to the scientific question.

Project deliverables

Deliverables are defined during scoping according to the role assigned to IERP. They may include raw experimental data, functional phenotyping measurement data and associated traceability records.

Depending on the agreed scope, support may also include processing or analysing selected data and providing a summary or analysis report. The content, format and level of analysis are agreed with the partner before the project starts.

How do you get started?

For an initial discussion, simply provide:

• the scientific question
• the proposed species or model, if already defined
• the agent or containment constraint, where relevant
• your preferred timeline
• the level of support required
• any confidentiality constraints

Costs and implementation times are specified after the needs, study scope and respective responsibilities have been defined.

A confidential request can be handled under a confidentiality agreement if necessary.

An initial response is provided within 5 to 10 working days.

→ Understand the collaboration process

Frequently Asked Questions