iRISE/NC3Rs train-the-trainer workshop: Reproducibility and the Experimental Design Assistant (session 2)

We are working with iRISE (improving Reproducibility In SciencE) to deliver a train-the-trainers course on improving reproducibility using the Experimental Design Assistant (EDA). The EDA is our online tool that helps researchers design rigorous experiments by providing tailored advice while they are designing experiments, helping researchers produce meaningful data using the minimum number of animals. By the end of this course attendees will know how to use the EDA as part of their own training courses, helping to teach others the concepts of good experimental design in an interactive way and design in vivo experiments well.

Format: Delivered in a live online session with interactive elements including small-group activities and opportunities for discussion.

Audience: Suitable for anyone interested in improving research through incorporating the principles of reproducibility and using the EDA to teach experimental design for in vivo studies, including researchers, animal facility staff, educators and those involved in and/or reviewing experimental design in colleagues’ or students’ work.

Schedule: Two live half-day sessions, one week apart.

• Session 1: Wednesday 10 June, 13.00 – 16.00 (BST)
• Session 2: Wednesday 17 June, 13.00 – 16.00 (BST)

Please attend both dates, a short task is set between sessions.

Course information

Topics include:

• Core concepts: Why reproducibility matters and where it can fail across the research lifecycle.
• Practical strategies: Using the EDA to improve experimental rigour and design experiments using the fewest number of animals including hands-on experience of planning an experiment in the EDA.
• Train-the-trainer skills: Develop the skills to design and deliver engaging reproducibility and EDA training for diverse audiences.

By the end of this training, attendees will be able to:

• Identify and describe current barriers to improving reproducibility.
• Use the EDA to represent in vivo experiments that facilitate open and reproducible research using the fewest number of animals.
• Design and deliver effective training sessions to diverse audiences on reproducibility, using the EDA as a tool to both help others design experiments and to teach others about key experimental design concepts in an interactive way.

Presenters:

• Dr Gillian Currie, CAMARADES, iRISE, will introduce reproducibility and highlight current issues.
• Dr Esther Pearl, NC3Rs Programme Manager for Experimental Design, will cover how to use, and teach others to use, the EDA with a focus on how EDA use can be adapted for different teaching aims.
• Dr Sarah Morgan, iRISE, EATRIS (European Infrastructure for Translational Medicine), will walk participants through key practices for effective training.