Dear Members March arrives with a welcome sense of renewal: longer days, the first signs of spring and a natural lift in energy across our teams and facilities. It’s a month that often marks fresh momentum in ongoing projects and a renewed focus on professional development. This year is no exception, as March brings two key celebrations within our community IAT Tech Month and the upcoming IAT Congress 2026. Throughout March, establishments across the UK have the opportunity to join together in recognising the essential contribution of Animal Technologists. IAT Tech Month can offer a lively mix of morale‑boosting activities designed to highlight the professionalism, skill and dedication of those who care for research animals every day. We are also approaching one of the most significant events in the Animal Technology calendar—the IAT Congress 2026, taking place 24 – 27 March 2026. This year’s Congress promises a diverse and engaging programme, with first‑time speakers covering a range of topics as well as  updates from ASRU. Together, Tech Month and Congress make March a vibrant period of learning, community and recognition across the profession. Whether through local activities, national challenges, or the Congress itself, this is a moment to celebrate the people who drive high‑quality, compassionate animal care and to strengthen the networks that support excellence in our field. Adrian Woodhouse (Newsletter editor) Download a copy of the newsletter below

Adrian Woodhouse, Newsletter Editor 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) Download a copy of the newsletter below

Blue Monday is often called the "saddest day of the year," typically falling on the third Monday of January. The idea came from a 2005 marketing campaign by Sky Travel, which claimed to have found a formula for calculating this dreary day to encourage people to book holidays.   The reasons given for why people might feel down include post-holiday blues, New Year's resolutions slipping, gloomy weather, and mid-winter blues. However, it's important to remember that it's mostly a myth and not based on science.   Instead of feeling blue, use this day to focus on self-care, connect with friends, or start a new positive habit to brighten your mood! Here are some distractions to help us through the day.   A wellness video to chase any blue’s away. Enjoy some chuckles with these pictures and jokes designed to bring a smile to your face.   Some silly jokes: Why did the computer go to the doctor? It had a virus! How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together! Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything! How do you organize a space party? You planet! Why was the math book sad? Because it had too many problems! What do you call fake spaghetti? An impasta! Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field! How do you stay warm in a chilly office? Stand in the corner — it’s always 90 degrees! What did one wall say to the other wall? I'll meet you at the corner! Why don’t seagulls fly over the bay? Because then they'd be bagels! Keep Smiling!

Simon Cumming, Chair of the Registration and Accreditation Board with CPD I am delighted to welcome you to the October edition of the IAT Newsletter. October brings cooler, shorter days, but there are still plenty of exciting events before the year ends. As October unfolds it brings National Poetry Day on the 2 nd  which is a celebration of the power of words and the beauty of expression. It’s a perfect moment to pause, reflect, and perhaps even be inspired to pen a few lines of your own. World Mental Health Day on 10 th  is a vital reminder to prioritise well-being and support for one another. It's an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health in our professional and personal lives. And as October draws to an end the spooky spirit of Halloween adds a playful chill to the air. Whether you're carving pumpkins, donning costumes, or enjoying sweet treats, it's a time for creativity and community fun. I am Simon Cumming, and one of my roles on the IAT Council is Chair of the Registration and Accreditation Board, including Continued Professional Development (CPD). Our board plays a crucial role in managing the Register of Animal Technologists (RAnTechs), including arranging interviews and accrediting NACWO courses from various training providers. We also award CPD points for events and training opportunities. This year, we proudly celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Registration of Animal Technologists (RAnTech). Professional registration demonstrates your commitment to animal welfare with the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement). The register highlights to the public, employers, and regulatory authorities a high ethical and legislative standard for animal technologists. It includes individuals who, through qualification, experience, and conduct, are suited to promote a culture of care and hold significant responsibilities in laboratory animal facilities. This prestigious status enhances your CV by showcasing your commitment to high ethical standards, continuous development, and a professional attitude valued by employers. Look out for an insightful feature in an upcoming Bulletin, where we describe the origins of RAnTech with testimonials from RAnTechs in various roles within animal technology. Thank you for your dedication and for being a member of the Institute. All the very best, Simon Cumming Chair of the Registration and Accreditation Board with CPD AS-ET Sponsored Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) HE Prizes 2025 Each year AS-ET sponsors three awards for the best achiever of the academic year studying for each of the three IAT higher education levels. Selected by the College of Laboratory Animal Science and Technology (CLAST), the three individuals each receive a certificate and a prize of £250. These awards are presented at the IAT Council Reception, which is normally held during the first week of December. IAT HE Level 4 - West Middlesex Branch Prize In recognition of the Branch’s generous and ongoing donations to AS-ET. Tegan Barlow from the Babraham Institute   IAT HE Level 5- Tecniplast Prize In recognition of AS-ET’s largest ongoing corporate sponsor over many years. Michaela Nightingale from Pharmaron UK   IAT HE Level 6- The John Walton Prize In appreciation of AS-ET’s first Patron the late John Walton, Baron Walton of Detchant (16th September 1922 – 21st April 2016), the distinguished neuroscientist, academic, and life peer who sat in the House of Lords as a crossbencher. Emma Mustafa from the Institute of Cancer Research Congratulations to all the Graduates, from the AS-ET Board of Trustees. Registration is Open 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 and to register. Attendee registration and exhibition bookings are open Abstract submissions for Posters is open Draft proposed programme to be published shortly range of Early Bird packages available until 12 th December so don’t miss out on the best rates.   Call for Abstracts We are still welcoming your abstract submissions for Posters. Key dates: Submission closing date is Monday 29th December for Posters 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 to register and to submit your Poster proposals AWERB Hub workshop - The Role of AWERBS in Successful Rehoming The ASC (Animals in science Committee) will be hosting a workshop on promoting the role of the AWERB in successful rehoming. This event will be held online on the 15 th  October 2025 between 13:00 and 16:00. This workshop will cover the following topics: Update on the work of the Animals Science Committee Requirements, benefits, and barriers to rehoming Case study: rehoming of feal ponies Setting up & successfully running a re-homing program as part of your culture of care Case study: New Zealand partnership programme with animal welfare groups. Case study: US rehoming scheme – Homes for Animal Heroes To register please click here. (Password: Rehoming) Newcastle University 3Rs event – Colony Management Newcastle University are hosting their annual 3Rs event and it is free to register on the 6 th  November. The event this year has a focus on colony management with lots of exciting speakers, poster presentations, flash trade, trade stands & more! On the Day: Poster presentations including tissue sharing, Zebra fish & mouse breeding, husbandry and more. Flash trade presentations Networking opportunities and interactivity Ask the experts panel Q & A Trade stands Lunch and refreshments provided To register for this event click   here Real talk: Bodies and the bits we don’t discuss Real talk builds empathy, breaks stigma, and helps us all show up for one another: Let’s open up the conversations we often shy away from—non-visible disabilities like dyslexia and autism, men’s health, testicular cancer awareness (with support from the OddBalls Foundation), and menopause. This workshop isn’t just for those directly affected. It’s for anyone who wants to better understand the people around them. Because no matter how you identify, whatever your age, these issues shape the lives of your friends, family, colleagues—and maybe even your future self. This event starting at  14.00hrs on the 12 th November  will be via zoom, the link will be supplied after you register below: REGISTER HERE 14.00 Non-visible disabilities 14.30 Men health, Taboo or not? My experiences 15.00 Raising Awareness about Testicular Cancer - The Oddballs Foundation, we care about BALLS and so should you! 15.30 Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on a female’s life, including relationships and work. For more details visit our   EDI Webpage   UK Zebrafish Husbandry Meeting Co-hosted by the BSF at the University of Manchester and The Francis Crick Institute Join us at the University of Manchester for a dynamic day of expert talks, practical insights, and networking—all focused on the care and management of zebrafish in research settings. Whether you're an experienced technician, facility manager, or just beginning your journey in zebrafish husbandry, this event offers something for everyone. Expect engaging presentations, opportunities to share best practices, and plenty of time to connect with colleagues from across the UK. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your knowledge, exchange ideas, and celebrate the zebrafish community in a collaborative and interactive setting. On the day: Keynote speaker Dr Lynne Sneddon will be talking on refining zebrafish experiments Dr Paul Schroeder on more than just health screening Tech talks Trade area Refreshments to finish REGISTER HERE Your Council Needs You 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? Find Out More.... 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: 227th Council Meeting Minutes The PDSA Dickin Medal Winners Darwin's Theory of Evolution Congress 2026 Invitation to Participate The End of Animal Research To view online please click here August 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 to apply for IAT Council

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

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