Session IX-1: Activity updates from international scientific societies

the American Association for laboratory Animal Science (AAlAS, http://www.AAlAS.org) has a long and progressive history in the evolution of the field of biomedical research (McPearson and Mattingly, 2000). From its beginnings in the mid-twentieth century when five veterinarians met in Chicago to the current conferences of 5000 attendees, the association has been pivotal in the advancement of responsible laboratory animal care and use, including the 3Rs, to benefit people and animals. this presentation will feature updates on traditional programs and services such as certification, e-learning, print resources, scientific information distribution, and electronic resources. In addition, attention will be paid to new products such as “laboratory Animal Science Professional”, a magazine devoted to providing a wide range of resources and knowledge to laboratory animal science professionals and the Grants for laboratory Animal Science program which provides funding for research about animal husbandry and welfare. the association recently established a new membership category, Global Partners, for individual member associations based outside the United States which allows members of the international association to obtain AAlAS programs and services at the AAlAS member prices. the presentation will conclude with predictions about the future of laboratory animal science and how AAlAS will play a role in that future.