Workshop on Surgical Techniques in the Laboratory Mouse

Location: The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine

Learn in-demand surgical techniques

This four-day workshop will equip participants with essential skills in mouse surgical techniques and select surgical procedures. Whether you're new to mouse surgery or looking to refine your techniques, this comprehensive workshop covers a wide range of information and skills needed to perform successful surgical procedures in the laboratory mouse.

In-Person Capacity: 20

Apr

6 - 9

2027

About

Learn mouse surgery directly from the JAX surgical team in this hands-on workshop. Practical sessions cover the techniques described below, as well as the technical skills and the foundational knowledge behind successful outcomes, including surgical space preparation, assessing anesthesia depth, aseptic and atraumatic technique, preventing heat loss, wound closure, and postoperative recovery. You'll also learn basic mouse anatomy, how to operate with a microscope, and essential skills including handling, restraint, and IP and subcutaneous injections.

Surgical techniques covered include:

Castration and vasectomy. Learn male sterilization techniques essential for hormone, endocrine and behavioral studies and for effective reproductive control.
Ovariectomy and ovarian transplantation. Master female reproductive surgeries to support a range of research applications.
Adrenalectomy and splenectomy. Gain expertise in endocrine and immune system-related surgeries.
Thymectomy and nephrectomy. Understand the intricacies of removing the thymus and kidney for studies on immunity and renal function.
Jugular vein catheterization. Acquire skills that enable repeated intravenous access in a single mouse, with a focus on repeated infusion of compounds and collection of blood.

View the 2026 schedule here to get an idea of the content and flow.

Why Attend?

You will leave this in-person workshop with valuable skills that can be applied to your research projects. Our experienced and supportive surgeons will provide participants with personalized feedback as they work through each surgical procedure.

Completion of the workshop may be used towards continuing education units for AALAS and Academy of Surgical Research (ASR) re-certification.

Accommodation Information

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Lexi Hennigan-Vanzura at [email protected] .

Code of conduct

Registration

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Travel Information

On-Campus

Lodging accommodations at JAX’s Highseas Conference Center is included in the registration fee. Highseas, located approximately 1 mile from The Jackson Laboratory, is a spacious estate built in 1912, overlooking the entrance to Frenchman Bay and adjacent to beautiful Acadia National Park. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to the Conference Center. We do provide shuttles to and from the main campus for the duration of the course. Highseas is handicap accessible (please indicate accessibility needs in registration). This lodging option cannot accommodate families. Rooms may be shared with other participants.

Off-Campus

Participants interested in securing off-campus lodging may refer to the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce website for a guide on hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and short-term rentals in the Bar Harbor area.

Meals will be provided by JAX’s campus dining services throughout the event. Participants staying off-campus may still partake in meals at Highseas. Please refer to the event schedule for more information.

Participants must adhere to Maine State travel, health and safety guidelines at the time of the event and use good judgement when arranging lodging. We recommend participants be familiar with their hotel’s cancellation policies prior to booking. The Jackson Laboratory is not responsible for lodging expenses or losses incurred due to the cancellation or rescheduling of an event.