Feb 27 – Mar 1, 2019 (Athens, Greece)
“How to Make Preclinical Research Robust”
2^nd Preclinical Data Network Training Workshop for Young Scientists
Coordinators (Europe): Anton Bespalov (PAASP), Thomas Steckler (Janssen)
Coordinators (North America): Magali Haas, Patricia Kabitzke, Chantelle Ferland-Beckham (Cohen Veterans Bioscience)
Local organizers: Christina Dalla, Nikolaos Kokras (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens)

This workshop aims to enhance awareness and to help junior scientists further developing their experimental skills, with prime focus on experimental design to generate high quality, robust, reproducible and relevant data.

The number of participants is limited to 15 to maximize communication between participants and the presenters / coaches. The workshop comprises a mixture of lectures and journal club-style seminars using pre-read material. The following topics will be covered:
   – Robustness vs reproducibility
   – Origins of poor data robustness
   – Poorly designed and powered studies
   – Positive predictive value
   – Poor control over experimental conditions
   – Poor generalizability of research findings
   – Key elements of Good Research Practice: 
                  – Reporting of methodological details
                  – Application of clinical study design standards in preclinical research 
                  – Confirmation of research findings under broader range of conditions
                  – Correct reporting of statistical data analysis
   – Culture of tolerance of negative data; position of funders and publishers
   – Consequences of poor data reproducibility
   – Needs in academia, biotech, CROs and big pharma

Who may apply
It is expected that this preclinical workshop should primarily, but not exclusively, attract junior scientists in basic (non-clinical, non-human) neuropsychopharmacology research.

How to apply
Please send a recent CV and a motivation letter via e-mail to:
Europe-based applications: Dr Anton Bespalov(anton.bespalov@paasp.net) or Dr Thomas Steckler (tsteckle@its.jnj.com)
North America-based applications: Dr Patricia Kabitzke (patricia.kabitzke@cohenbio.org) or Dr Chantelle Ferland-Beckham (chantelle.ferlandbeckham@cohenbio.org)

Travel support
Europe-based applicants may include in the motivation letter a rationale for requesting travel support. Decisions about travel support will be made on case-by-case basis.
Two US-based applications will be chosen to receive travel support provided by Cohen Veterans Bioscience.

Timelines
The call is open immediately after the publication of this announcement and will close on January 15, 2019. The review committee will select and inform the participants by February 1, 2019.