UKRN train-the-trainer workshop: Experimental design for open and reproducible research

We are working with the UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN) to deliver a train-the-trainer course on using the Experimental Design Assistant (EDA). The EDA is our online tool that helps researchers design rigorous animal experiments and produce meaningful data which adds to the scientific knowledge base, using the minimum number of animals. Dr Esther Pearl (Programme Manager – Experimental Design) will cover how to use, and teach others to use, the EDA with a focus on open and reproducible animal research.

The online one-day workshop is suitable for anyone interested in 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.

Topics include:

• Using the EDA to improve experimental rigour and design experiments using the fewest number of animals.
• Tips on targeting and developing an EDA training session.
• Hands-on experience of planning an experiment in the EDA.
• Troubleshooting to help you train other researchers to use the EDA.

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

• Use the EDA to represent in vivo experiments that facilitate open and reproducible research using the fewest number of animals.
• Understand common problems researchers come across using the EDA and how to resolve them.
• Identify the audience and objectives for EDA training sessions.
• Show other researchers how to the use the EDA to improve the reproducibility of their experiments and reduce animal use in research.
• Implement feedback from the EDA to improve experimental design.