The WORC.Community, an international hub for NAM researchers
Background
In June 2022, the website ‘OrganoidSpheroid.com’ was launched in order to share the latest innovative news and papers about 3D biology, organoid, spheroid, organ-on-a-chip and NAM research. One year later, the first ‘World Organoid Research Day’ was held with live questions and answers from key organoid, organ-on-a-chip and NAM researchers worldwide. In June 2024, the WORC.Community was launched to bring together organoid, organ-on-a-chip and NAM researchers. The idea for this community was born out of a need expressed by researchers for collaborative thinking and long-term connections.
The WORC.Community
The ‘World Organoid & Organ-on-a-chip Community’ (WORC) is an interactive networking platform for researchers interested in alternatives to animal testing. It allows scientists to connect and share the latest research, papers, training, guidance and technology with their peers. Contents can be created and shared openly and in private discussion groups.
Content of the platform
- ‘Home & News’ page which provides quick access to the latest content posted on the platform,
- ‘Membership options’ page which describes the different membership possibilities
- Free access to the podcast ‘Organoids and a large portion of Chips!’,
- ‘My Discussion Rooms’ for chatting, exchanging ideas, discussing specific topics etc. Existing topics include 3Rs Global Connect, imaging, assay and workflow automation, urinary system, cardio vascular/circulatory system, oncology, toxicology societies, virus research, etc,
- ‘Free view papers, webinars and more’ Tab grouping resources linked to organoids and organ-on-chip: papers, protocols, talks, sponsored content and webinars,
- ‘Technologies’ Tab showcasing the technology providers supporting the community,
- Tab featuring the WORC supporters: MDPI Organoids, The Centre for Human Specific Research, Kruithof de Julio Lab at University of Bern and, Steven Ray Wilson from the Hybrid Technology Hub University of Oslo,
- ‘Funding & Careers’ Tab providing a grant news portal and an overview of current vacancies,
- ‘About us, FAQs & Help’ Tab.
Members of the WORC community are also offered the possibility to publish open access for free with MDPI Organoids.
Promotion of commercial content can be done via the ‘Sponsored learning room’ and the ‘Technology promotion room’. Sharing of events and webinars is not permitted without prior approval via support@worc.community.
Memberships
Free Basic Registration enables to view free content, have a profile page, feature an ORCID URL, post a paper, but does not provide access to chats or discussions. Registration should be made with a professional e-mail address.
Full Membership provides access to chat rooms, discussions and interaction with other community members. Access to a new private room should be requested via email with the name of the room. Members also benefit from notifications of new content related to their specific interests.
Resources
