American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
Encyclopedia
The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
membership association
, established in 1950 as a forum for the exchange of information and expertise in the care and use of laboratory animals. Membership consists of approximately 12,000 individual, institutional, commercial and affiliate members. The national office is located in Memphis, TN.
. During the five days of the meeting, members and nonmembers participate in workshops, lecture
s, poster session
s, and exhibits. The program is designed to have topics relevant to the entire membership. Exhibitors have an opportunity to interact with AALAS members from the academic community
, research institutions
, government organizations, and commercial companies. Eight professional and technical awards for excellence in the field of laboratory animal science are given each year at the AALAS National Meeting. The AALAS National Meeting is the largest gathering in the world of professionals concerned with the production, care, and use of laboratory animals.
two scientific journals, Comparative Medicine and the Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, as well as two newsletter
s, AALAS in Action and Tech Talk. Publications are produced in the AALAS national office in Memphis, TN.
Comparative Medicine (CM), an international bi-monthly journal
of comparative and experimental medicine, is the leading English-language publication in the field and is ranked by the Science Citation Index
in the upper third of all scientific journals. It seeks to advance knowledge about comparative medicine and laboratory animal science
through the publication of scholarly articles about animal model
s, animal biology
, laboratory animal medicine, laboratory animal pathology
, animal behavior
, animal biotechnology
, and related topics. The journal invites reports and reviews about basic and applied laboratory investigations
, clinical investigations, and case studies
. It also welcomes informed and thoughtful opinions relevant to the humane care and use of laboratory animals. Comparative Medicine is indexed in Index Medicus. Dr. Linda Toth of Southern Illinois University
School of Medicine is the editor in chief over Comparative Medicine and JAALAS; Dr. Ravi Tolwani of Rockefeller University
School of Medicine is the associate editor for CM.
The Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS) serves as an official communication vehicle for the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). The journal
, published bi-monthly, includes a section of refereed
articles and a section of AALAS association news. The mission of the refereed section of the journal is to disseminate high-quality, peer-reviewed information on animal biology
, technology, facility operations, management
, and compliance
as relevant to the AALAS membership. Reflecting this mission, the journal title has changed, effective with the first issue of 2006, from Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science (CT) to JAALAS. Dr. Linda Toth of Southern Illinois University
School of Medicine is the editor in chief over Comparative Medicine and JAALAS; Dr. Susan Compton of Yale University
is the associate editor for JAALAS.
AALAS in Action is a bimonthly newsletter
published to enhance communication with national and branch members of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. Recipients are encouraged to reproduce parts or all of the contents.
Tech Talk is a bimonthly publication which promotes the dissemination of professional information and technology to all persons interested in laboratory animal science and facilitates a worldwide pursuit of knowledge of animal care methodology
.
certification program
certifies three levels of technical knowledge. The Technician Certification Registry is a voluntary program for technicians to demonstrate a current, credible level of knowledge. The Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of animal resources management
.
The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management
. In order to maintain their CMAR designation, CMAR recipients will have annual requirements of a re-certification fee and a specified number of continuing education credits
to stay abreast of the latest in management techniques and theory.
AALAS' Certification and Registry Board (CRB) certifies three levels of technician competence: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), and Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). The technician certification designations of ALAT, LAT, and LATG are well known and widely used throughout the varied fields of laboratory animal care
concepts that is applicable to the laboratory animal science
industry and to enhance communication, team building
, and networking among colleagues with mutual interests. Directors, managers, and supervisors of laboratory animal facilities have seen their roles grow more and more complex over the years, and they have found themselves in a unique profession. People in management positions must be able to interpret the social, political, and economic environments in which they operate and use administrative and technical skills to maintain and improve their animal care and use programs. The vast majority of people in these positions was trained in biologic
and veterinary sciences
and must find additional training in management skills to fulfill their administrative roles.
s, veterinarian
s, managers, IACUC members, and investigators working with animals in a research
or education setting. Emphasizing the appropriate handling, care, and use of animals, the courses are designed to help people prepare for AALAS certification, meet training mandates of regulatory
agencies, and improve their knowledge in technical areas.
, provides funding for projects to promote the awareness of biomedical research
and its contributions to society. AALAS, through the Foundation, provides a variety of public outreach tools in the form of flyers, posters, websites, videos and DVDs, and classroom materials.
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
membership association
Industry trade group
A trade association, also known as an industry trade group, business association or sector association, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry...
, established in 1950 as a forum for the exchange of information and expertise in the care and use of laboratory animals. Membership consists of approximately 12,000 individual, institutional, commercial and affiliate members. The national office is located in Memphis, TN.
National Meeting
Each fall since 1950, the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science has held its annual National MeetingAcademic conference
An academic conference or symposium is a conference for researchers to present and discuss their work. Together with academic or scientific journals, conferences provide an important channel for exchange of information between researchers.-Overview:Conferences are usually composed of various...
. During the five days of the meeting, members and nonmembers participate in workshops, lecture
Lecture
thumb|A lecture on [[linear algebra]] at the [[Helsinki University of Technology]]A lecture is an oral presentation intended to present information or teach people about a particular subject, for example by a university or college teacher. Lectures are used to convey critical information, history,...
s, poster session
Poster session
A poster session or poster presentation is the presentation of research information by an individual or representatives of research teams at a congress or conference with an academic or professional focus. The work is usually peer reviewed...
s, and exhibits. The program is designed to have topics relevant to the entire membership. Exhibitors have an opportunity to interact with AALAS members from the academic community
Academia
Academia is the community of students and scholars engaged in higher education and research.-Etymology:The word comes from the akademeia in ancient Greece. Outside the city walls of Athens, the gymnasium was made famous by Plato as a center of learning...
, research institutions
Research institute
A research institute is an establishment endowed for doing research. Research institutes may specialize in basic research or may be oriented to applied research...
, government organizations, and commercial companies. Eight professional and technical awards for excellence in the field of laboratory animal science are given each year at the AALAS National Meeting. The AALAS National Meeting is the largest gathering in the world of professionals concerned with the production, care, and use of laboratory animals.
Publications
AALAS publishesPublishing
Publishing is the process of production and dissemination of literature or information—the activity of making information available to the general public...
two scientific journals, Comparative Medicine and the Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, as well as two newsletter
Newsletter
A newsletter is a regularly distributed publication generally about one main topic that is of interest to its subscribers. Newspapers and leaflets are types of newsletters. Additionally, newsletters delivered electronically via email have gained rapid acceptance for the same reasons email in...
s, AALAS in Action and Tech Talk. Publications are produced in the AALAS national office in Memphis, TN.
- Comparative Medicine
Comparative Medicine (CM), an international bi-monthly journal
Academic journal
An academic journal is a peer-reviewed periodical in which scholarship relating to a particular academic discipline is published. Academic journals serve as forums for the introduction and presentation for scrutiny of new research, and the critique of existing research...
of comparative and experimental medicine, is the leading English-language publication in the field and is ranked by the Science Citation Index
Science Citation Index
The Science Citation Index is a citation index originally produced by the Institute for Scientific Information and created by Eugene Garfield in 1960, which is now owned by Thomson Reuters. The larger version covers more than 6,500 notable and significant journals, across 150 disciplines, from ...
in the upper third of all scientific journals. It seeks to advance knowledge about comparative medicine and laboratory animal science
Animal testing
Animal testing, also known as animal experimentation, animal research, and in vivo testing, is the use of non-human animals in experiments. Worldwide it is estimated that the number of vertebrate animals—from zebrafish to non-human primates—ranges from the tens of millions to more than 100 million...
through the publication of scholarly articles about animal model
Animal model
An animal model is a living, non-human animal used during the research and investigation of human disease, for the purpose of better understanding the disease without the added risk of causing harm to an actual human being during the process...
s, animal biology
Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
, laboratory animal medicine, laboratory animal pathology
Pathology
Pathology is the precise study and diagnosis of disease. The word pathology is from Ancient Greek , pathos, "feeling, suffering"; and , -logia, "the study of". Pathologization, to pathologize, refers to the process of defining a condition or behavior as pathological, e.g. pathological gambling....
, animal behavior
Ethology
Ethology is the scientific study of animal behavior, and a sub-topic of zoology....
, animal biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a field of applied biology that involves the use of living organisms and bioprocesses in engineering, technology, medicine and other fields requiring bioproducts. Biotechnology also utilizes these products for manufacturing purpose...
, and related topics. The journal invites reports and reviews about basic and applied laboratory investigations
Medical laboratory
A medical laboratory or clinical laboratory is a laboratory where tests are done on clinical specimens in order to get information about the health of a patient as pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.-Departments:...
, clinical investigations, and case studies
Case study
A case study is an intensive analysis of an individual unit stressing developmental factors in relation to context. The case study is common in social sciences and life sciences. Case studies may be descriptive or explanatory. The latter type is used to explore causation in order to find...
. It also welcomes informed and thoughtful opinions relevant to the humane care and use of laboratory animals. Comparative Medicine is indexed in Index Medicus. Dr. Linda Toth of Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University is a state university system based in Carbondale, Illinois, in the Southern Illinois region of the state, with multiple campuses...
School of Medicine is the editor in chief over Comparative Medicine and JAALAS; Dr. Ravi Tolwani of Rockefeller University
Rockefeller University
The Rockefeller University is a private university offering postgraduate and postdoctoral education. It has a strong concentration in the biological sciences. It is also known for producing numerous Nobel laureates...
School of Medicine is the associate editor for CM.
- Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
The Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (JAALAS) serves as an official communication vehicle for the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). The journal
Academic journal
An academic journal is a peer-reviewed periodical in which scholarship relating to a particular academic discipline is published. Academic journals serve as forums for the introduction and presentation for scrutiny of new research, and the critique of existing research...
, published bi-monthly, includes a section of refereed
Peer review
Peer review is a process of self-regulation by a profession or a process of evaluation involving qualified individuals within the relevant field. Peer review methods are employed to maintain standards, improve performance and provide credibility...
articles and a section of AALAS association news. The mission of the refereed section of the journal is to disseminate high-quality, peer-reviewed information on animal biology
Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
, technology, facility operations, management
Operations management
Operations management is an area of management concerned with overseeing, designing, and redesigning business operations in the production of goods and/or services. It involves the responsibility of ensuring that business operations are efficient in terms of using as little resources as needed, and...
, and compliance
Compliance (regulation)
In general, compliance means conforming to a rule, such as a specification, policy, standard or law. Regulatory compliance describes the goal that corporations or public agencies aspire to in their efforts to ensure that personnel are aware of and take steps to comply with relevant laws and...
as relevant to the AALAS membership. Reflecting this mission, the journal title has changed, effective with the first issue of 2006, from Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science (CT) to JAALAS. Dr. Linda Toth of Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University is a state university system based in Carbondale, Illinois, in the Southern Illinois region of the state, with multiple campuses...
School of Medicine is the editor in chief over Comparative Medicine and JAALAS; Dr. Susan Compton of Yale University
Yale University
Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
is the associate editor for JAALAS.
- AALAS in Action
AALAS in Action is a bimonthly newsletter
Newsletter
A newsletter is a regularly distributed publication generally about one main topic that is of interest to its subscribers. Newspapers and leaflets are types of newsletters. Additionally, newsletters delivered electronically via email have gained rapid acceptance for the same reasons email in...
published to enhance communication with national and branch members of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. Recipients are encouraged to reproduce parts or all of the contents.
- Tech Talk
Tech Talk is a bimonthly publication which promotes the dissemination of professional information and technology to all persons interested in laboratory animal science and facilitates a worldwide pursuit of knowledge of animal care methodology
Methodology
Methodology is generally a guideline for solving a problem, with specificcomponents such as phases, tasks, methods, techniques and tools . It can be defined also as follows:...
.
Certification
The AALAS technicianTechnician
A technician is a worker in a field of technology who is proficient in the relevant skills and techniques, with a relatively practical understanding of the theoretical principles. Experienced technicians in a specific tool domain typically have intermediate understanding of theory and expert...
certification program
Professional certification
Professional certification, trade certification, or professional designation, often called simply certification or qualification, is a designation earned by a person to assure qualification to perform a job or task...
certifies three levels of technical knowledge. The Technician Certification Registry is a voluntary program for technicians to demonstrate a current, credible level of knowledge. The Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of animal resources management
Management
Management in all business and organizational activities is the act of getting people together to accomplish desired goals and objectives using available resources efficiently and effectively...
.
- Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR)
The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management
Management
Management in all business and organizational activities is the act of getting people together to accomplish desired goals and objectives using available resources efficiently and effectively...
. In order to maintain their CMAR designation, CMAR recipients will have annual requirements of a re-certification fee and a specified number of continuing education credits
Continuing education unit
A Continuing Education Unit is a measure used in continuing education programs, particularly those required in a licensed profession in order for the professional to maintain the license. Examples of people who need CEUs include interior designers/interior architects, lighting designers,...
to stay abreast of the latest in management techniques and theory.
- Technician Certification
AALAS' Certification and Registry Board (CRB) certifies three levels of technician competence: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), and Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). The technician certification designations of ALAT, LAT, and LATG are well known and widely used throughout the varied fields of laboratory animal care
Institute for Laboratory Animal Management
The Institute for Laboratory Animal Management (ILAM) is an AALAS educational program developed to provide instruction in managementManagement
Management in all business and organizational activities is the act of getting people together to accomplish desired goals and objectives using available resources efficiently and effectively...
concepts that is applicable to the laboratory animal science
Animal testing
Animal testing, also known as animal experimentation, animal research, and in vivo testing, is the use of non-human animals in experiments. Worldwide it is estimated that the number of vertebrate animals—from zebrafish to non-human primates—ranges from the tens of millions to more than 100 million...
industry and to enhance communication, team building
Team building
Team building refers to a wide range of activities, presented to businesses, schools, sports teams, religious or nonprofit organizations designed for improving team performance...
, and networking among colleagues with mutual interests. Directors, managers, and supervisors of laboratory animal facilities have seen their roles grow more and more complex over the years, and they have found themselves in a unique profession. People in management positions must be able to interpret the social, political, and economic environments in which they operate and use administrative and technical skills to maintain and improve their animal care and use programs. The vast majority of people in these positions was trained in biologic
Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
and veterinary sciences
Veterinary medicine
Veterinary Medicine is the branch of science that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, disorder and injury in non-human animals...
and must find additional training in management skills to fulfill their administrative roles.
AALAS Learning Library
The AALAS Learning Library provides training that is essential for technicianTechnician
A technician is a worker in a field of technology who is proficient in the relevant skills and techniques, with a relatively practical understanding of the theoretical principles. Experienced technicians in a specific tool domain typically have intermediate understanding of theory and expert...
s, veterinarian
Veterinarian
A veterinary physician, colloquially called a vet, shortened from veterinarian or veterinary surgeon , is a professional who treats disease, disorder and injury in animals....
s, managers, IACUC members, and investigators working with animals in a research
Research
Research can be defined as the scientific search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new ideas, or develop new theories, usually using a scientific method...
or education setting. Emphasizing the appropriate handling, care, and use of animals, the courses are designed to help people prepare for AALAS certification, meet training mandates of regulatory
Regulation
Regulation is administrative legislation that constitutes or constrains rights and allocates responsibilities. It can be distinguished from primary legislation on the one hand and judge-made law on the other...
agencies, and improve their knowledge in technical areas.
AALAS Foundation
The AALAS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizationNon-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
, provides funding for projects to promote the awareness of biomedical research
Biomedical research
Biomedical research , in general simply known as medical research, is the basic research, applied research, or translational research conducted to aid and support the body of knowledge in the field of medicine...
and its contributions to society. AALAS, through the Foundation, provides a variety of public outreach tools in the form of flyers, posters, websites, videos and DVDs, and classroom materials.