Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC) Campuses

The Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC) is primarily a research institution focused on non-human primate studies for biomedical advancements, rather than traditional academic courses. However, it offers specialized training and educational programs in areas related to primate research, veterinary science, and biomedical ethics.

• Primate Biology and Husbandry: This program covers the care, breeding, and basic biology of non-human primates used in research, emphasizing welfare standards and ethical handling practices. Participants learn about species-specific behaviors, nutrition, and environmental enrichment to ensure high-quality research conditions.
• Biomedical Research Methods: Training in experimental design, surgical techniques, and data collection using primate models. Topics include immunology, neuroscience, and infectious disease modeling, with hands-on sessions on imaging and molecular biology tools.
• Veterinary Pathology for Primates: A course on diagnosing and treating diseases in research primates, including necropsy procedures, histopathology, and pharmacology. It addresses common health issues like viral infections and genetic disorders.
• Ethics and Regulatory Compliance: Essential education on animal welfare regulations, such as the EU Directive 2010/63/EU, and ethical considerations in primate research. Includes modules on alternatives to animal testing and the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).
• Advanced Toxicology and Pharmacology: Focused on using primates for safety testing of drugs and vaccines, covering pharmacokinetics, adverse effect monitoring, and translational research from animal models to humans.

These programs are designed for researchers, veterinarians, and students, often in collaboration with universities like Utrecht University. They combine theoretical lectures with practical lab work, promoting responsible science. BPRC's facilities support cutting-edge studies in areas like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and neurology, contributing to global health solutions. Training emphasizes minimizing animal use while maximizing scientific output, with durations ranging from short workshops to multi-week intensives. Overall, the educational offerings at BPRC bridge research and academia, fostering expertise in a niche but critical field.