Opening of Simulation Centre at UCPH
On Thursday, 28 August 2025, the University Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Copenhagen was expanded with a new simulation centre. The centre was inaugurated at a well-attended event with participation from university leadership, researchers, educators, and students, as well as representatives from the Danish 3R Center.
The simulation centre marks an important step toward animal-free education, where both digital and physical simulation tools enable students to train their surgical and clinical skills around the clock in a safe environment—without unnecessarily burdening live animals.
The opening was marked by speeches from Julie Fjeldborg and Dean Bente Stallknecht, who highlighted the centre’s significance for both research and teaching. One of the key driving forces behind the centre—Rikke Langebæk—was unfortunately unable to attend, but the Danish 3R Center acknowledges her major contribution to its establishment.
Following the official speeches, guests were given a tour of the new facilities, which now form a modern learning environment at the university.
Visitors were introduced to 22 different rooms equipped with simulators, ranging from the Holstein Cow Simulator to the Haptic Horse. One room features the black horse Beauty—an Equine Palpation and Colic Simulator—partially funded by the Danish 3R Center, where students can practice insemination techniques and palpate for signs of illness, preparing the students to treat live animals.
The centre also includes VR technology and training stations designed to enhance student learning while supporting animal welfare.
The simulation centre contributes to more responsible and sustainable education, ultimately reducing the number of animals needed in veterinary training. In this way, the centre represents a significant milestone for both research and education, while also demonstrating the university’s respect for its laboratory animals.
The Danish 3R Center welcomes the establishment and looks forward to following the centre’s development closely.
