Veterinarians Marielle Esteves and Angélica Salas will coordinate this collaboration. Theoretical classes will be given on imaging techniques in experimental animals, along with practical sessions on ultrasound-guided vascular access in large animals, optical imaging techniques, microCT, microPET, and ultrasound in rodents. They will be assisted by Ariel Cañón, Raquel Villegas, and Albert Cored, veterinarians and technicians from the ESU, and Anna Server Salvà, anesthesiologist from the Pain Unit of the Vall d’Hebron Campus. Additionally, they will collaborate with Juan José Jiménez Catalán, senior imaging technician, and Eliza Franco from the PIP (VHIO).

The goal of these practical sessions is to demonstrate to students various applied imaging techniques (such as ultrasound-guided vascular access, tomography, echocardiography, and in vivo fluorescence with optical imaging equipment) and to start their training in this field. The ultimate goal of this module in the Master's program is to refine experimental handling of laboratory animals, thereby directly contributing to animal welfare and the quality of research studies.

The ESU features a large animal housing area and three operating rooms (one for rabbits and two for pigs and sheep). All are equipped with state-of-the-art technology necessary for a variety of experimental procedures. Researchers and doctors at the Vall d'Hebron Campus use these facilities for the development of translational research projects in the surgical field and for high-level training courses in general and specific techniques, such as cardiac surgery and interventional radiology.

As part of the VHIR's portfolio of scientific and technical services, which includes the Experimental Surgery Unit (ESU), Clinical Research Support Unit (USIC), High Technology Unit (UAT), Biobank (BBC), Statistics and Bioinformatics Unit (UEB), and Academic Research Organization (ARO), these services will be relocated to a new research building. This new facility, which will soon be inaugurated, will house laboratories dedicated to animal research and serve students of the Master's program.

The PIP, located in the new Vall d'Hebron Campus facilities in the CELLEX Building (VHIO), features its own rodent housing area, as well as two optical imaging devices, a small animal ultrasound machine, a microCT, and a microPET. These equipment are specifically designed for use in laboratory animals. The platform serves the Vall d'Hebron Campus (VHIR and VHIO) as well as external researchers. Additionally, the process to modify the radioactive license to install a SPECT machine is underway.

This Master's program is the only one offered in Spain for obtaining the title of Animal Welfare Consultant, which is required for those responsible for animal facilities, and it is also accredited by the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA).

In addition to the UAB's Master's in Laboratory Animal Science and Welfare, VHIR offers the Molecular Pathology module of the Official Master's in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biomedicine at UAB. Its primary goal is to provide high-quality education in biochemistry, molecular biology, and biomedicine, enabling students to integrate into research teams or pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or biomedical companies.

Furthermore, since the 2014/2015 academic year, VHIR has also offered the Official Master's in Biomedical and Translational Research. This Master's program is officially recognized and designed to train top-tier researchers, combining the knowledge and scientific skills necessary to contribute to the success of translational biomedical research and future advancements.

With this, VHIR reaffirms its ongoing commitment to education and research. Moreover, the new VHIR building and its facilities will allow researchers to continue pioneering and disruptive research, innovate, and ensure the improvement of people's quality of life.

*Institutional Statement on the Use of Research Animals