Adherence to strict aseptic technique is vital to all types of animal models requiring surgical intervention from both scientific and welfare perspectives. Training of both new and experienced researchers can present a variety of challenges depending on their own perceptions of aseptic surgery and the facilities and equipment available within budget constraints. This lecture will present an overview of the development of an ongoing training programme for aseptic technique in rodent surgical models within a large academic institution in the UK operating under Animal Scientific Procedures Act (1986) amendment regulations. At the end of the presentation candidates will: • Have an awareness of the types of surgical training programmes available • List consumables which should be available within aseptic procedural rooms • Create posters to act as aide memoires for researchers to assist with maintenance of asepsis. • Be able to develop a Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) assessment sheet for assessing competence in aseptic surgery.