Optimizing Preclinical Neurosurgical Outcomes

A Research-Driven Development of a Structured Training Program is a knowledge-transfer project that translates proven expertise from SFB 1315 into a standardized training pathway for high-quality rodent neurosurgery. The project compiles and publishes state-veterinarian–approved mouse and rat brain-surgery protocols from within the SFB, integrates them into a state-of-the-art curriculum, and develops a structured hands-on course taught by trained veterinarians and experienced scientists at Humboldt University. A complementary online program with comprehensive instructional videos will make best-practice techniques accessible internationally and provide a platform for feedback and continuous refinement. The overarching goal is to improve rigor, reproducibility, and reliability of preclinical neurosurgical outcomes while minimizing pain and distress in accordance with ethical guidelines. The transferproject aims to establish these courses in collaboration with Apprendis UG as a regular, sustainable component of the lab-animal-training program.