PETA Science Group, Colgate, and IIVS Team Up to Provide Training on Non-Animal Toxicity Testing

For Immediate Release:
May 13, 2025

Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382

Gaithersburg, Md. –

This week, six scientists from India will attend a globally recognized, non-animal toxicology training course in the United States as a result of a partnership between PETA Science Consortium International e.V., Colgate-Palmolive, and the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS).

IIVS will run the four-day training course at its cutting-edge non-animal testing and training laboratory in Gaithersburg, Maryland, from May 12-15, 2025. Participants of this week’s course hail from various corners of toxicology, ranging from the government to private companies and contract research organizations.

PETA Science Consortium International regularly sponsors this Practical Methods for In Vitro Toxicology Training workshop, which is held at IIVS several times a year. This trio has teamed up because each knows the importance of understanding how to conduct the latest non-animal test methods.

During the course, attendees will participate in informative lectures and hands-on laboratory exercises to explore how to test substances for skin and eye irritation and corrosion, skin sensitization, phototoxicity, and respiratory toxicity without using animals.

“Colgate-Palmolive’s relationship with IIVS dates back to their founding in 1997, built on a shared vision of advancing non-animal testing methodologies through validation, education, and outreach. We are delighted to extend this collaboration by sponsoring this event alongside PETA Science Consortium International. This event represents a key opportunity to help further the adoption of high-quality, human-relevant non-animal methods,” says Dr. Lauren Hutchison, member of Colgate’s Animal Welfare Committee.

*2023 IIVS workshop. Credit: PETA Science Consortium International*

“We are excited to host scientists from all over India during this customized Practical Methods training workshop because it will allow us to help meet the needs of India’s laboratories and regulatory agencies to advance toxicological infrastructure and implement human-relevant science,” says Vice President for Education and Outreach Kristie Sullivan, M.P.H. “We are grateful to Colgate and PETA Science Consortium International for their consistent support of IIVS’s training efforts.”

“As regulatory agencies worldwide embrace non-animal test methods, toxicology experts must be prepared to understand how to use and interpret data from them,” says Science Consortium President Dr. Amy Clippinger. “Investing in training for non-animal toxicity testing equips scientists with the knowledge and skills that pave the way for the future of toxicology.”

For more information, please visit ThePSCI.eu, colgatepalmolive.com, or IIVS.org.