Glyn Fisher, Chair IAT Council 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 1 st 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 1 st   September 2025 Abstract submissions still open until 6 th 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 40 th  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 April 2025 edition now available 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

Sam Jameson, IAT Honorary Treasurer 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 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.  Tribute to Alessandro Coatti 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. Click here for Survey Complete our Mouse Breeding 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. Click here to register 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 April 2025 edition now available 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

The Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) is actively seeking new Council members, so whether you are interested in welfare initiatives, communications, education and training or just want to have a say, then why not get more involved in your professional body and join Council? ​ Click here for more information

Glyn Fisher, Chair IAT Council Well, how are you? It’s been a little while now since the last newsletter, so I hope you’re enjoying the improvements in the weather and of course the clocks going forward and losing an hour’s sleep! So, Congress has been and gone. It was a very nice venue, and we have had a lot of feedback, mostly positive, but a little negative as well. That is as expected and as always, the Congress Committee will take it on board and see what they can do to solve these issues where possible. They are already working on next year’s event. Well done to the Congress Committee. Congress had a truly mixed program and a mixed audience from first time attendees (about 25%) to “old timers”, Home Office Inspectors and of course our colleagues from LAVA. A big thank you to all the support from Trade, and they really did put in a lot of effort and time in the Exhibition Hall. Likewise, a thank you to all the speakers and workshop organisers. This is what Congress is for, and you can see how popular they are and how quickly the workshops fill up. Finally thank you to all of you who attended, you made the event as always and I really hope to see you next year, along with new faces too. My memories of Congress are two-fold. Firstly, was the Kevin Dolan Memorial Lecture “Tales from the Zoo” that was very inspiring and moving at the same time. The second is the fun side of Congress, of a member of Council bouncing across a floor on a unicorn at Boomin Bingo, I kid you not! One of the feedback items you have given to Council, is you want to know more about who is on Council. Well, I’m going to start sharing the “Introduction to the Newsletter” with others on Council, so the next newsletter will be someone else from Council. Now keep that quite…… I haven’t told Council yet!!! Enjoy the spring and I bet you’re already planning holidays. Lastly, as I always say, the IAT is your organisation and we would love to hear from you, be it good or bad feedback or an idea. Just drop us a line via the normal routes. Until the next time, Glyn Fisher Chair, IAT Council Winners are announced! This year we ran the photo competition  again and you did not disappoint with your photo entries. We ran both the non-work and work-related categories resulting in 88 excellent photos. The communications group reviewed all of these entries and whittled them down to the top 10 in each category. These were then presented at the IAT stand during Congress and voted for by the delegates for their first and second place winners in each category. 1st place was W3 Claire from the Babraham Institute 2nd place was W7 Scott from the Francis Crick Institute 1st place was NW6 Jennifer from Agenda Life Sciences 2nd place was NW2 Carol from UCL A huge thank you for everyone that entered and keep an eye out for the covers of ATW and the Bulletin as your picture might just appear. We hope you enjoyed downloading and completing our puzzles this year, a wordsearch, a maze and a nonogram. No winners for these, they were just for a bit of fun in the tea room. Our weekly quiz also ran this year and you excelled yourself with your knowledge (or google did!). We are pleased to announce the winners as follows: Week 1 winner  - Aprilia from Inotiv Week 2 winner  - Daniel from Agenda Life Science Week 3 winner  - Sami from UCL Week 4 winner  - Jill from St.Andrews University and finally our overall winner was Charli from Edinburgh University Congratulations to you all and thank you for taking part. The IAT education group are trying to gather feedback on the views and opinions of the current IAT qualifications. There are two options for this survey, one is for managers, and the other is for technicians. We would appreciate it if you could take the time to complete the surveys and share them with as many people as possible. Your input will be greatly appreciated and the links to both surveys are below: Employer Feedback Survey Employee Feedback Survey Thank you in advance for your time and participation. EARA – Be open about animal research. We at the European Federation of Animal Technologists are reaching out to you to ask if your institution would contribute to Be Open About Animal Research Day 2025  (#BOARD25), the global social media campaign run by EARA to promote openness and transparency in animal research. Additionally, we kindly ask if you could help us promote #BOARD25 internally, at your institution. This year’s campaign will take place on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, during the FELASA 2025 Congress. Last year, over 1,000 biomedical institutions gave their support, with a record 220 partner institutions from 48 countries also helping to spread the message on social media. We would love for you to Get on #BOARD25 this year! There are various ways you can do this and by registering your interest in #BOARD25, you could: Share quotes, statements, or other examples of ways your institution has demonstrated openness in animal research over the last year. Take part in a Q&A video to highlight your experiences. Spread the word internally to researchers and animal research technicians at your institution, to encouraging them to take part. Contribute in some other way of your choice. Final materials will only be needed by the end of April, and EARA can provide support, if needed, in producing these. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at iserrenho@eara.eu . Looking forward to your participation! Animal Welfare Group Surveys The Animal Welfare Group are conducting a series of 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, link below: Animal Welfare Survey - Mouse Breeding Checks Insect Welfare Research Society The Insect Welfare Research Society are hosting a series of virtual seminars and the next in the series is on April 25th 2025 at 4pm GMT. The title of this seminar is: The 3Rs Principals in Invertebrate Research by Dr. Miriam A Zemonova, University of Fribourg, Switzerland. In this talk, Miriam will explore how the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs) can be applied in research on insects and other invertebrates. Topics covered will include strategies for refining experimental techniques to minimize harm, approaches to reducing invertebrate use in research, and the feasibility of replacement methods. Through case studies and practical examples, the discussion will highlight both the complexities and the benefits of applying the 3Rs to invertebrate research, offering insights into how these principles can shape responsible and effective scientific practice. To register please use this link: Seminars — Insect Welfare Research Society Now accepting applications from IAT RAnTech Applicants! The AAALAC International Fellowship recognises two outstanding individuals—one IAT RAnTech and one AALAS/CALAS Registered—who have made (or have the potential to make) significant contributions to the field of laboratory animal care and use. The IAT RAnTech winner will receive a week-long guest visit to prestigious biomedical research facilities in the U.S. this fall, plus complimentary attendance at the National AALAS Meeting, the U.S.’s largest laboratory animal science and technology meeting. Registration, travel, meals, and related incidental expenses are covered (receipts are required). APPLY ONLINE! DEADLINE FOR IAT APPLICATIONS: June 1, 2025 FELASA Survey The Working Group on Benchmarking the Ratio of Technical Staff for the Care of Laboratory Mice  has prepared a survey and invites you to participate. Your participation in this survey is crucial for the success of the Working Group. We greatly appreciate your contributions. Survey Link 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: Introduction to Mental Health First Aid and our First Aiders EDI Group Calendar ASET News Congress 2026 Announcement Branch AGM Minutes 75 Great Ideas Plus much more 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

Today, the government released its annual Animals in Science Regulation Unit report for 2023. The report describes the work of the ASRU during 2023 in regulating work under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 . ​ ASRU Annual Report 2023

A recent survey of our members was conducted to guide IAT Council on future initiatives. The findings from this survey can be found in the document below ​ Survey Results

Registration or IAT Congress 2025 is now open. We are delighted to welcome our colleagues from LAVA joining us for this joint meeting recognising the partnership for animal welfare. ​ Please visit the Congress 2025 website for full details and to register.  ​ 2025 is the 75th Anniversary of the IAT are we will be marking this milestone at Congress so please do join us at the largest Laboratory Animal meeting in the UK. ​ Congress 2025 Website

See below an open letter to be used to send to your local MP regarding the ongoing Animal Rights Campaign at MBR Acres.  ​ Letter to your MP

Below, please find the data from the independent stakeholders survey we commissioned in February this year.  The survey was based on the changes instigated by ASRU in early 2021 on the way that they were performing their function as Regulator of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.  At the point the survey was commissioned we were eighteen months into the new system and LASA, LAVA and the IAT were interested in how the regulated community perceived the new system was imbedding and asked for information on any issues that had arisen. The survey was designed by an independent consultant specialising in the design and delivery of such surveys. The survey was hosted by UAR and was open for 2 weeks from 27th February until 13th March 2023. The qualitative analysis was performed by an independent research professional specialising in the analysis of this type of data. The data will also be shared with the Minister, Lord Sharpe of Epsom, Will Reynolds, Head of the Animals in Science Regulation Policy Unit (ASRPU), Kate Chandler, Head of the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU), Professor David Main, Chair of the Animals in Science Committee (ASC) and Professor, The Lord Trees. We also plan to share the data with Understanding Animal Research, who assisted us with the survey, the NC3Rs and the RSPCA. We hope you find this helpful, and the stakeholder organisations would be very happy to take part in discussions around the findings of the survey. Yours sincerely Helmut Ehall, Chair LASA Establishment Licence Holders Forum Linda Horan, IAT CEO/Chair Jill Reckless, LASA President Rita Rose, LAVA Senior Vice President Mark Spearing, Russell Group ​ ASRU Change Programme Survey Qualitative Analysis Report ​ Feedback report ​ Questions with Analysis

See below a summary of the meeting held with the Science Minister in relation to the ASRU Change Programme. ​ Science Minister Meeting Summary