IAT Newsletter - August 2025
- IAT Website
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
How are you? It’s been a little while since my last editorial—I hope you enjoyed Sam’s edition! It’s full summer now and the heat is on. I hope you're enjoying the weather, and of course, many of us are looking forward to a well-earned summer break.
This time of year, traditionally marks the end of the school year. Not too long ago, we would have been preparing for the annual exams for Animal Technicians but times have changed and so has education.
Today, education is more flexible and tailored to individuals and establishments. While there are still compulsory elements, many units can be selected to suit your learning needs and you don't have to wait anymore for the start of the academic year—learning can begin at any time.
The IAT no longer delivers teaching or exams directly. Instead, we work with specialist companies and organisations who do. The IAT now serves as an Awarding Body, overseeing the standards of education and ensuring quality across the board.
We’re fortunate, as a small industry, to have bespoke qualifications specifically designed for Animal Technicians—from Level 2 to Level 6. These qualifications equip technicians with the skills they need to perform their duties effectively. Many of the higher education (HE) level units can also be taken as standalone modules for CPD purposes. This is really useful as training for technicians who are specialising or have special projects to do.
I encourage you to visit the IAT Education Website There, you’ll find details of what’s on offer, along with links to all our education partners and what they can offer as well. This is a valuable resource, especially for yourself but also Unit Managers and NTCOs.
Lastly, as I always say, the IAT is your organisation. We’d love to hear from you—whether it’s feedback, suggestions, or new ideas. Just drop us a line through the usual channels.
Until next time,
Glyn Fisher
Chair IAT Council
IAT Berkshire and Wiltshire Branch Summer Event
Saturday 16th August 2025
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Lagoona Park, Pingewood Road, South Reading, RG30 3UH
Whether you're looking to reconnect with colleagues, make new friends, or just enjoy a fantastic day out on the water — this is the event for you!
What’s in store?
Access to the thrilling Aqua Park
A chance to network and unwind with fellow IAT members
A summer day packed with fun and good vibes!
FREE for all IAT members – thanks to the generous sponsorship from MMM, Allentown and Clinipath
Free Pizza Available
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Reserve your spot now via Eventbrite
Any questions? Drop us a line at: berkshirewiltshirebranch@iat.org.uk
Let’s make a splash together — see you there! ??
Registration Opens Soon
Registration for Congress 2026 will open 1st September 2025
Taking place in a state of the art new venue with ample exhibition space, superb breakout rooms and meeting space, Congress 2026 will offer attendees a diverse variety of presentation topics, poster displays and a full programme of workshops. A range of attendee packages are available so check out our website now for full details.
Attendee registration and exhibition bookings open 1st September 2025
Abstract submissions still open until 6th September 2025
A range of Early Bird packages available
Call for Abstracts
We are still welcoming your abstract submissions for Posters, Presentations and Workshops.
Key dates:
Abstract submissions open 2nd June 2025
Attendee registration opens Monday 1st September 2025
Submission closing date is Monday 6th October 2025 (Monday 29th December for Posters)
Programme selection Monday 13th October 2025
Exhibition registration closing date mid-December 2025
Early Bird discount ends Wednesday 31st December 2025
Registration closing date Monday 16th March 2026
Visit the IAT Congress 2025 website for more detail and to submit your proposals
Have you thought about becoming a RAnTech?
But is the thought of an interview putting you off? The following comments from RAnTech applicants may help you to reconsider!
"Thank you for a surprisingly pleasant interview; please thank your other colleagues from the interview panel. I was extremely nervous but you all put me at ease"
“I was nervous about my interview but straight away I was put at ease and got through it with a pass”
“Despite my nerves and a case of amnesia on one question, my interview went well and was nowhere near as bad as I expected”
“I expected the panel to be a three-headed monster out to trick me into failing. In reality they were three very nice people who asked questions that any dedicated Animal Technician should know the answers to”
"I was nervous, but the interview panel did their utmost to put me at my ease. I found the whole experience quite enjoyable in the end!"
So why not make this, the 40th Anniversary year of RAnTech, the year you progress your career and become a Registered Animal Technologist?
If you are MIAT (having passed your IAT Level 3 Diploma and the Practical Animal Handling & Health module) with suitable experience, you can apply to become a Registered Animal Technologist.
You can find further details on the IAT Website RAnTech Page
Applications can be made via your record on mySociety
Join your local IAT Branch
Would you like to join your local Branch of the IAT but don’t know how to do this. It is easily done and if you would like to get more involved and/or receive information about your Branch’s activities please click here for details
IAT Bulletin
Our monthly Bulletin is available online for IAT Members.
In this months issue:
Council Meeting Minutes
The Silent Struggle: Fibromyalgia
Introduction to Mental Health First Aid
Congress 2026 Invitation to Participate
Andrew Blake Tribute Award
Ducks
What is Sentience?
BLC: 75 Great Ideas
Benefits of Belonging to the IAT
To view online please click here
ATW Online
ATW aims to be the medium for Animal Technologists and all those concerned with the care and welfare of animals used for research purposes to communicate 'good practice'.
ATW especially aims to promote and develop the 3Rs particularly in respect of Refinement. More importantly, ATW promotes the generally accepted 4th R, Responsibility. The responsibility that all Animal Technologists have in ensuring dissemination of 'good practice' to every institution using animals in research.
ATW enjoys a unique position as the scientific publication for leading organisations for the welfare of animals used in research.
To view online please click here
Situations Vacant
For current vacancies please click here
