Services
Our research facility allows for various experimental studies. It is tailored to meet the precise needs of your research. Additionally, we offer comprehensive training programs on fish care, behavior, and handling, ensuring that your projects are conducted with the highest standards of expertise and care.
Experimental Studies at FISH-VET
Our fish facility offers a world of possibilities, from infection and toxicology studies to behavioral research and beyond. It is equipped with the latest technologies and highly qualified staff, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive approach to advancing your aquatic research goals.
Handling live animals is subject to strict regulation under Norwegian and European laws. To comply with these regulations, several steps are in place to ensure the proper conduct of experiments and the utmost consideration for animal welfare.
How to plan and perform an experiment at FISH-VET?
1. Contact the fish facility to present your project
1. Reach out to us to initiate a discussion about your experiment using this email. Inquire about availability, and explore possibilities at FISH-VET.
2. You will have to familiarize yourself with NMBUs routine for competence requirements to work with animals at NMBU (ANNEX A) and the general description of routine for planning, applying, and performing animal experiments at NMBU (ANNEX B).
3. To assist you in making the most of your initial meeting with us, you will be requested to fill in this form. This will aid us in preparing the necessary information we require for a productive discussion.
4. We invite you to dowload the customer checklist, a resource that will serve you as a guide to plan and perform your experiments at FISH-VET.
5. Upon finalizing the details of your experimental setup, you will receive a customized quote. This estimate can be utilized for your funding applications, aligning with the discussed specifics of your project.
2. Provide a detailed plan to the fish facility manager
Once funding is obtained, it will be time to plan in detailed the experiment (see the customer checklist for the minimum details needed).
3. Get the necessary approuvals (if applicable)
1. In the majority of cases, obtaining a FOTS permit from Mattilsynet is a prerequisite.
2. Additionally, a mandatory risk assessment must be conducted and submitted to the fish facility in case any chemical or pathogen will be used.
3. Finally, permission must be request to Helsedirektoratet for importing new GMO animals if planned to be used.
Approval of these documents is essential before the contract can be finalized and signed.
4. Meet with the fish facility staff and its veterinarian
To prepare and the contract a startup meeting is necessary. The participation of the fish facility’s veterinarian is mandatory in this meeting. This session is pivotal for clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the fish facility and each party involved in the project. Additionally, it offers an excellent chance to consult with our experts for valuable insights.
5. Signing of the contract and make a deposit
A customized comprehensive contract, outlining the roles of the project manager/leader and the fish facility, is established before commencement. After signing the contract, you will receive an invoice equivalent to 50% of the estimated project cost (Deposit).
No work initiation, space reservation, or fish ordering can take place until the contract is formally signed.
6. Get training and all documentation in place
All personnel entering the facility will need to get proper training by the fish facility staff. In addition, project specific SOPs to be displayed in the room will need to be filled in together with the fish facility manager.
7. Perform the experiment
We are committed to supporting your experiment with top-notch services and maintaining open communication throughout the project. In the event of significant deviations from the experiment plan, requiring additional assistance or incurring unforeseen costs, we will promptly reach out to you for discussion.
On the other side, you will will inform the facility at least 24h in advance about any plan change or any need that is not planned using this form. In case of experiment with a FOTS, request any plan change to Mattilsynet and get approval prior the change is put in place.
8. Final payment
Upon completion of the project, you will receive the data from your experiments and a final invoice will be issued to settle any remaining expenses. The final cost may exceed the contracted amount if additional technical support beyond the initially stipulated terms has been utilized.
If this project was approved by Mattilsynet (with FOTS), you will have to report the fish use to Mattilsynet.
Finally, the use NMBU and FISH-VET logos is mandatory in all communications.
9. Give us your feedback
We would greatly appreciate it if you could spare just 2 minutes to fill out a brief 3-question form. Your feedback on what you liked and disliked will help us enhance the quality of our services.
Our training programs
Our training services offer a range of hands-on experiences for small groups (3 to 4 students) and individual nOur training services offer a range of hands-on experiences for small groups (3 to 4 students) and individual needs. Our hands-on programs, available on-demand, cover essential techniques such as microscopy, tissue dissection, blood sampling, and advanced methods like cardiac injections. Dedicated to delivering personalized and comprehensive learning experiences, we ensure that every session, whether a half-day, full-day, or specific skill training, meets the highest standards of expertise and care.
Half Day Program
A 3-hour session covering microscopy, imaging, tissue dissection, fin clipping, blood sampling, anesthesia, and euthanasia using small model fish or salmon.
Full Day Program
An extended version of the half-day program with additional training in cardiac and egg injections, providing a more comprehensive exploration of fish research techniques.
Specific skills
Tailored instruction on specialized techniques, including fluorescent labeling, cardiac perfusion, and recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) operation,
List of trainings
Training sessions are available for working with model fish or salmon at our facilities.
Analysis
Injections
Sampling
Surgery
Recirculating Aquatic System
First step: Contact us!
Ask us for availabilities and possibilities.