IAT Newsletter - February 2026
- IAT Website
- Feb 6
- 1 min read
Dear Members
As we close the door on January—often the month that feels twice as long as any other—we hope all our members, colleagues and Animal Technologists are feeling a renewed sense of energy and purpose. January can be demanding in our field: returning to busy schedules, maintaining high standards of animal care, and supporting research activity during the darkest, coldest weeks of the year. But your dedication never falters and we’re proud to step into February with you.
February brings with it a welcome sense of momentum, along with several meaningful events. Globally, the most significant cultural celebration this month is Chinese New Year, which falls on Tuesday 17th February 2026, marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse. This festive period traditionally extends through to the Lantern Festival on 3rd March, closing out a 16‑day celebration centred around renewal, family, and fresh beginnings.
As we look forward to these global celebrations of renewal, it also feels like the perfect moment to reflect on the hard work of technicians across all establishments—and, of course, to warm up for Tech Month 2026, just around the corner.
With brighter mornings just over the horizon and a month full of both cultural and IAT‑community milestones, February offers us the chance to reset, reconnect and recognise the exceptional work being done across the UK and beyond.
Adrian Woodhouse (Newsletter editor)
