The 24th and 25th National Zebrafish Technical Training Courses was held at IHB during May 19 and 30, 2025. (Credit: IHB)

The Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences recently concluded its 24th and 25th National Zebrafish Technical Training Courses during May 19 and 30, 2025, attracting 60 participants from 47 universities, research institutions, and high-tech enterprises across China. The intensive program equipped participants with both fundamental and advanced zebrafish experimental techniques while incorporating new curriculum components on laboratory animal welfare. 

The training featured hands-on gene editing workshops where participants designed and executed knockout experiments, taking resulting F0 embryos back to their home institutions for further study. Renowned scientists delivered special lectures on cutting-edge topics including zebrafish applications in environmental toxicology and AI Applications in Life Sciences. Participants also toured China Zebrafish Resource Center and Museum of Hydrobiological Sciences, gaining practical insights into facility management and genetic resource maintenance.

As zebrafish become increasingly vital for modern biological research, these training sessions address critical needs in modern biological research. Launched in 2014, the programs have trained over 1,200 scientists through a unique combination of theoretical instruction and practical laboratory experience. Post-training evaluations revealed a 95% satisfaction rate among participants, with many praising the immediate applicability of skills learned. 

The China Zebrafish Resource Center will refine future training based on participant feedback, strengthening research capabilities in zebrafish studies and their life science applications.