Overview
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping the future of preclinical research, offering new tools to enhance data quality, operational efficiency, and animal welfare. This session explores the integration of AI-driven technologies in preclinical animal studies, with a particular focus on automated behavioral monitoring of mice and rats. By continuously analyzing movement, activity patterns, and behavioral changes, AI-based systems can improve data accuracy, reduce variability, and support more consistent and reproducible study outcomes.
A key advantage of these technologies is their ability to electronically flag potential animal welfare concerns in real time and alert research or veterinary staff when intervention may be needed. Early detection of behavioral or health changes can save time, reduce the risk of animal welfare incidents, and help ensure that appropriate veterinary treatments are initiated promptly. These systems also support refinement efforts by minimizing unnecessary handling and enabling earlier, more targeted responses to animal needs.
Through real-world examples from biotech and pharmaceutical research settings, speakers and attendees will examine how AI-enabled monitoring tools are being implemented in practice, the ethical considerations they raise, and their implications for study design, oversight, and outcomes. The session will also address how these technologies align with animal welfare principles, institutional responsibilities, and evolving expectations for the use of innovative methods in preclinical research. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how AI can support both scientific rigor and responsible animal research.
You will learn how to:
Understand the role of AI in behavioral monitoring of mice and rats within preclinical studies and the types of systems that are available.
Compare AI-driven monitoring with traditional observational methods—such as health checks and husbandry practices—in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and potential to reduce staff burden while maintaining reliable results.
Discuss the ethical and regulatory implications of implementing AI in animal research, including potential challenges and risks to animal welfare.
Identify challenges and potential solutions in adopting AI-based behavioral analysis, including the development of validated behavioral datasets for mice and rats, as well as the time and cost considerations involved in system implementation.
Speaker
Fabrizio Scorrano, PhD,
Head of Global Emerging Technologies and Deputy Veterinarian, Novartis
Fabrizio Scorrano obtained his degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Bologna (Italy) in 2010 and a PhD in Animal Physiology from the same institution in 2013. He is a Diplomate of the European College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ECLAM) and holds a Master’s degree in Welfare and Science of Laboratory Animals from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain). He joined Novartis in 2015 and currently serves as Head of Global Emerging Technologies as well as a deputy veterinarian. In this role, he supports scientists in the implementation of digital home-cage monitoring solutions and the development and application of in-vivo digital biomarkers in experimental models, with the objective of accelerating scientific discovery while enhancing animal welfare and data quality.
CE Credit
Participants will receive a certificate of attendance that documents up to 1.5 continuing education credit hours for their attendance at this webinar. Certificates of attendance are useful for obtaining CE credits from professional associations. Each association's guidelines for accepting CE credit hours (in-person or virtual) may differ. Please consult the appropriate association representative for information on if, and how many, CE credits from this PRIM&R webinar may be used.
CPIA®
Participants holding the Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA®) credential may apply 1.5 continuing education credits towards CPIA® recertification. Please refer to the CPIA® recertification guidelines for additional information.
Accommodations
PRIM&R is committed to hosting inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage and participate fully. For inquiries about session accessibility or requests for specific accommodations, please contact Scott Rule at srule@primr.org or 617.303.1876. Requests for American Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance of the event. Please note that PRIM&R will make every effort to secure services, but that these services are subject to availability.
Access Interval
Access to live content will be available for 90 days after the recording is made available. After 90 days, access to the content will be removed, but users will retain access to any certificates of attendance earned. To earn a certificate, one must complete all required sections and complete the certificate section within the 90-day access period. After access has expired, users can purchase an additional 90 days of access.
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