From May 11 to 16, the coastal town of Cuxhaven became the vibrant hub of international veterinary exchange as we hosted our Laboratory School – a compact yet powerful training event that brought together 12 participants from 6 different nations. A small group, yes – but one that made room for deep learning, personal connections, and meaningful dialogue.
An Intimate Setting for Intensive Learning
The charm of this event lay in its size. With a limited number of participants, the atmosphere was intensely focused and highly interactive. Questions flowed freely, and the usual hesitation often felt in larger groups simply didn’t exist. Everyone had the chance to engage directly with speakers, ask follow-up questions, and dive deeper into the topics that mattered most to them.
Even the evening dinners reflected this spirit – personal, relaxed, and full of lively exchange. By the end of the week, everyone had spoken with everyone, and the group felt more like a team than a classroom.
Led by Experts, Driven by Passion
The course was led by Dr. Matthias Voß, a true veteran in the field with over 30 years of experience at LOHMANN BREEDEERS. There could hardly be a better guide through the complex world of veterinary diagnostics. He was supported by a dynamic team: Dr. Andreas Bublat, Dr. Benjamin Holbein, and Anne-Kathrin Schink, who all brought fresh perspectives and energy to the sessions.
From Lab Work to Immunology: A Rich Curriculum
The program focused on two major themes:
- Laboratory Testing
- How Birds Fight Infections
These were complemented by in-depth sessions on Bacteriology and Virology, ensuring a well-rounded scientific experience.
We were honored to welcome several external guest speakers who enriched the program with their expertise:
- Prof. Dr. Bernd Kaspers delivered a comprehensive two-part lecture on avian immunology, titled How Birds Fight Infections.
- Dr. Tarik Sulejmanovic from Virma Vaxxinova shared insights on Diagnostics in Veterinary Autogenous Vaccines.
- Jantina de Vylder from BioChek presented on Serological and Molecular Techniques.
- Johanna Elvidge from Aviagen introduced us to New Technologies, including Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Salmonella diagnostics.
A Scientific Break on Helgoland
One of the highlights of the week was the excursion to Helgoland. While the trip offered some well-deserved free time, it also included a fascinating talk by Anne-Kathrin Schink on the island’s unique birdlife – a perfect blend of leisure and learning.
Looking Ahead
We hope all participants enjoyed the experience as much as we did. If there are any remaining questions, our dedicated veterinary team is always happy to help. And don’t forget to explore our Toolbox https://lohmann-breeders.com/toolbox/ for additional resources and insights.
We’re already looking forward to the next edition of the Laboratory School – and to welcoming another group of passionate professionals ready to learn, share, and grow together.