On March 3rd and 4th, 2025, TEATIME members gathered for an inspiring and collaborative two-day meeting filled with thought-provoking sessions and hands-on working sessions. From pioneering discussions on home-cage monitoring (HCM) systems to future strategies for animal research, the meeting marked a significant step forward for our community.
The event kicked off with warm greetings from Angelo Basteris, our COST Scientific Officer. The first sessions focused on developing an HCM ethogram and ontology. We also discussed expanding TheBehaviourForum.org, sharing ideas how the platform could sustain beyond TEATIME to promote webinars and collaboration. We also had a session on software tools for analyzing HCM data. Delegates shared their experiences, creating a valuable catalog of tools for the community. The afternoon’s discussions on strategic foresight and automation in animal research set the tone for how TEATIME can continue shaping the future of animal research while advancing animal welfare. We wrapped up the first day with a creative session on producing a TEATIME promotional video, where everyone pitched ideas and helped bring our community’s work to life.
Day two started with a session on sex differences in research, followed by an insightful discussion on the Animal Behaviour Open Research initiative. We also brainstormed ideas for TEATIME’s future webinars, training schools, and sustainability efforts. During the session on stakeholder communication, participants were identifying key stakeholders and the best ways to engage them moving forward. This led to deep discussions in breakout groups, creating a roadmap for how to strengthen our outreach.
As the meeting wrapped up, the energy was high. We reflected on the progress we had made and looked forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Breakout groups dig well into critical topics like data analysis innovations and the future of TEATIME training, ensuring we continue evolving and meeting the needs of animal research. The two days were a testament to the power of collaboration. Our team is more united than ever, and we can’t wait to continue pushing the boundaries of animal research and welfare together.