IAT Newsletter - June 2025
- IAT Website
- May 30
- 5 min read
I have the pleasure of introducing this month’s newsletter.
As we roll through May, that charming time of year when the UK weather can’t quite make up its mind, it feels like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the winding roads of our professional journeys.
My own journey into Animal Technology began over 20 years ago, when my ambition to become a Veterinary Surgeon took an unexpected detour. Fortunately, that detour led me to a career that’s been not only fulfilling but, in many ways, a better fit. With a BSc in Zoology and later, IAT Registered Animal Technician status, I’ve had the privilege of working across a range of establishments with an equally varied range of species. I’ve been fortunate to travel, meet some truly inspiring people, contribute to vital research, and develop a deep appreciation for the critical role we all play in advancing animal care and welfare.
I currently work at the University of Cambridge, and in 2017, I joined the IAT Council, motivated by a desire to give back to the institute that has shaped so much of my career. I stepped into the role of Honorary Treasurer in 2023 and am now nearing the halfway mark of my five-year tenure. It’s been a fascinating experience learning the financial ropes and playing a part in ensuring the IAT remains strong, sustainable, and supportive for future generations of Animal Technicians.
I’d like to encourage everyone that has read this far to get involved in the IAT! Connect with your local Branch and events, consider putting yourself forward for Council, and share your thoughts and feedback. Your input helps steer our future. Together, we can ensure the IAT continues to educate, support, and represent Animal Technicians across the UK and beyond.
Now, a couple of seasonal notes. May marks the time when hedgehogs start to emerge and become more active, so keep an eye out in your garden. And speaking of becoming more active, for fellow two-wheel enthusiasts: the Isle of Man TT is just around the corner! As a lifelong motorcycling fan, I can’t wait to settle in for the TV coverage. There’s nothing quite like the roar of the engines and witnessing the skill and bravery of those riders racing between the hedges.
On a personal note, I’ll be celebrating a milestone birthday this summer. No spoilers on the number, but let’s just say I’ve earned every candle, and every mile on the clock!
Life’s a journey to be enjoyed. Ride it well, brake for hedgehogs, and always check your mirrors!
So, whatever species you’re working with, and whether you’re flat out or just cruising in top gear, take a moment to enjoy this edition of the newsletter!
Sam Jameson
Honorary Treasurer, IAT Council
Alessandro Coatti (Royal Society of Biology)
We would like to take this opportunity to pay our respects to Alessandro Coatti. Ale led RSB animal science work for almost 8 years and was a valued member of the regulated community. He left RSB at the end of 2024 to volunteer in Ecuador as part of the Royal Society of Biology and UK Bioscience Sector Coalition.
We were deeply upset to hear of Ale’s passing and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.
Animal Welfare Group Survey
Many thanks to all of our members who have taken the time to fill out our original survey on health checks. You can see the results in a paper that has been published in ATW which can be accessed on the ATW Journal website
The Animal Welfare Group are continuing to conduct short anonymous surveys on a number of topics based on the health and welfare of laboratory animals that we care for under ASPA. Our current focus is on health checks, and we are keen to see how different organisations are carrying out this important and legal duty.
The outcome from our collected data will be shared with our membership and we will provide some best practice guidance on the IAT website once all of the data has been collated.
We have completed a general species health check questionnaire which was very successful, and we are now focusing on Mouse breeding checks. We hope that those who work with breeding mice will take 5 minutes of their time to complete our survey.
Call for Abstracts
Congress is a key event for professionals in animal research, focussing on advancements in
animal care, research techniques, discussion on regulatory issues and ethical standards
It offers presentations, posters, workshops and networking opportunities to promote good
practice and foster collaboration.
We are now 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
Newcastle annual 3Rs day - SAVE THE DATE
Newcastle’s annual 3R’s day will go ahead again in 2025 focussing on colony management…WAIT, it’s not just mice but zebrafish and other species too!
Topics covered:
Animal Facility talks
Poster presentations
Flash Trade presentations
Networking opportunities
‘Ask the expert’ panel Q&A
So, 6th November, Newcastle Upon Tyne for all colony management related topics and bring your posters - we want to see the big and brightest posters at the event. There may even by edible prizes!!
Sign up here… we hope to see you there!
Sainsbury Wellcome Building 2nd annual symposium
Join us for the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre’s annual Animal Technicians symposium. This in person event is a great opportunity to connect with industry professionals. The day will consist of engaging presentations, Q&A sessions with the speakers, and the opportunity for general networking during closing drinks. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day, including lunch.
Topics will include:
Exchange programme
Coaching / Managing / Mentoring
Skill identification
Transferable skills
Communication
Refreshments will be provided throughout the day, including lunch.
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:
2025 IAT Congress Report
EDI Group Calendar
ASET News & Congress Report
Congress 2026 Invitation to Participate
Branch Liaison Committee Report
75 Great Ideas
West Middlesex Branch - River Cruise
NC3Rs: Minimising Mouse Aggression
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
