Excellence in training
Max Planck Society recognizes the animal facility at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research with the Trainee Award 2025
Alongside the individual trainee awards, the Max Planck Society also honors training facilities whose commitment, creativity, and dedication make outstanding vocational training possible. This year, the MPI for Brain Research is among the three institutes recognized with the Training Facility Prize.
For the animal facility in particular, this award is a special acknowledgment: it reflects the effort of an entire team that ensures trainees receive not only technical expertise, but also a deep understanding of animal welfare, responsibility, and the connection between research and care. The prize is endowed with 7,500 euros each and can be used to improve the training infrastructure or, for example, to expand the range of seminars for trainees.
We spoke with Dr. Emily Northrup, the head of the animal facility about what makes training here unique, the philosophy behind their approach, and the role the facility itself plays in shaping the next generation of animal caretakers at the Trainee Award Ceremony on September 17, 2025 at the MPI for Brain Research in Frankfurt.
What makes your training concept at the MPI for Brain Research special?
Emily Northrup: Our trainees rotate through all teams in the animal facility, join weekly trainee meetings, visit our scientists, and regularly accompany the veterinarians on their rounds. Right from the beginning, they have their own responsibilities and small projects, which gives them the confidence to put their knowledge into practice. We believe that this trainee-focused, skill-building approach not only helps them master the highest standards in laboratory animal care, but also gives them a well-rounded education with a genuine sense of responsibility. Animal welfare, excellent husbandry and research go hand in hand - and all are at the very center of our training.
How many trainees have you trained over the years?
Emily Northrup: So far, four trainees have successfully completed their three-year vocational training with us, and we currently have three more in the program. In addition, two colleagues have taken part in and completed our internal training program. We also participate in trainee exchange programs: over the years, around 20 trainees from other Institutes have spent time with us to gain experience with our diverse animal models.
Who are the trainers?
Emily Northrup: Training here is truly a team effort. Everyone in the animal facility is involved to ensure our trainees receive a broad and practical education - from rodents to aquatics to reptiles to cage cleaning. This includes the day-to-day aspects of animal care, focused training sessions, and facilitating ongoing research projects. The training program is coordinated by members of our training team, who also look after many of the organizational aspects.
What role does the innovative infrastructure of your animal facility play?
Emily Northrup: We truly have a unique animal facility within the Max Planck Society. Not only are we close to groundbreaking science on the brain, but with multiple non-traditional laboratory animals there is always something new to learn - and this is true for all of us. Our animals are an integral part of our work, teaching us adaptability, inspiring curiosity, and driving our commitment to the highest standards of welfare and care. This is possible thanks to the close collaboration with our mechanical workshop, electronics-IT department, and facility management, who help us design and build unique husbandry setups specifically tailored to the needs of our animals. For our trainees, this infrastructure offers hands-on insights into innovative husbandry solutions.
How do you plan to use the prize money?
We are incredibly proud to receive this prize, which recognizes the dedication, innovation, and excellence of our trainees and our entire team. We plan to invest part of the award into educational models to ensure better training opportunities in accordance with the 4R principles of the Max Planck Society.
