As part of the capacity-building activities of the Horizon Europe-funded GEMSTONE Project, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University’s (ACU) Experimental Animal Application and Research Centre (DEHAM) hosted an intensive hands-on course on breeding and crossing strategies for genetically engineered mouse models, held on 13-14 November 2025.
Designed as a continuation of the earlier workshop, “Studies with Genetically Engineered Mouse Models and the Benefits of In Vitro Fertilization Applications,” organized on 24 April 2025, this advanced training focused specifically on enabling ACU-DEHAM to perform in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures in-house. The course was delivered by experts Dr. Thomas Blom, Sara Andersson, and Linda Wei from Lund University’s (ULUND) renowned Transgenic Core Facility, who conducted a short-term visit to ACU for this purpose.
Strengthening ACU-DEHAM’s capabilities through practical training
Throughout the two-day programme, participants received detailed guidance on the laboratory infrastructure required for optimal IVF workflows. The ULUND team provided a comprehensive overview of the DEHAM facilities, including the laboratory space designated for IVF procedures. They introduced the essential components of an ideal IVF setup and reviewed standard IVF protocols step by step.
Training included preparation of IVF solutions and discussion of required SOPs, emphasis on the importance of meticulous preparatory steps, live demonstrations of IVF procedures by the ULUND experts, hands-on practice sessions by the DEHAM team, led by Dr. Samed Özer, ACU-DEHAM Chief Veterinarian, and Aslı Önder Gül, ACU-DEHAM Biologist.
During these practice sessions, the DEHAM researchers completed an IVF procedure from start to finish, receiving real-time feedback and troubleshooting support from their ULUND counterparts. This practical experience was particularly valuable in helping the host team identify critical gaps, understand sources of procedural errors, and gain confidence in managing IVF workflows independently.
Strategic consultation on facility development
On 14 November 2025, in parallel with the training activities, Dr. Thomas Blom met with Assoc. Prof. Meltem Kolgazi, GEMSTONE Work Package 3 Leader and Director of ACU-DEHAM, to discuss broader aspects of animal facility design and management. Dr. Blom shared recommendations regarding equipment, infrastructure, and operational practices aimed at strengthening ACU-DEHAM’s long-term capability to support advanced animal research.
A milestone for GEMSTONE’s capacity-building goals
This training marks a significant step forward in ACU’s efforts to expand its internal expertise in gene engineering technologies and neuroscience research. By establishing the capacity to perform mouse IVF procedures in-house, ACU-DEHAM will accelerate the development of genetically engineered models that are essential for cutting-edge studies in neurodevelopment and brain disorders.
The GEMSTONE Project remains committed to fostering sustainable knowledge transfer, strengthening institutional capabilities, and enhancing research excellence through continued collaboration with leading international partners such as ULUND.