The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science

This Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences is a non-profit membership association which was established in the year 1950 as a forum for the exchange of information & expertise in the care and the use of laboratory animals. Its membership consists of approximately twelve thousand individuals, institutional, commercial and affiliate members. The national office is located in Memphis, TN. Each fall since 1950, the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science has its annual National Meeting. During the 5 days of the meeting, members and non-members participate in workshops, lectures, poster sessions, and exhibitions. The program is designed to have topics that are relevant to the entire membership. Exhibitors have that opportunity to interact with AALAS members from academic community, research institutions, government organizations, and commercial companies. 8 professional and technical awards for excellence in field of laboratory animal science are given each year at AALAS National Meeting. AALAS National Meeting is the largest gathering in the world of people concerned with the production and care and the use of laboratory animals. The AALAS technician certification program certifies 3 levels of technical knowledge. The Technician Certification Registry is a voluntary program for technicians to demonstrate the current & credible level of knowledge. The Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) program is designed to raise competency and the professionalism in field of animal resources management.

The Institute for Laboratory Animal Management is an AALAS educational program developed to provide instruction in management concepts that are also applied to the lab animal science industry and to enhance the communication, team building, and networking among the colleagues with same interests. Directors and supervisors of the laboratory animal facilities have seen their roles grow more complex over the years, and they have found themselves in an unique profession. People in the management positions must be able to interpret the social, political, and the economic environments in which they operate and use their both administrative along with the technical skills to maintain and improve their animal care and use programs. The vast number of people in these of the positions was trained in biologic and veterinary sciences and must find additional training in management skills to full-fill their administrative roles. The AALAS Learning Library gives training that is essential for all the veterinarians, managers, IACUC members and the investigators working with animals in the research or education settings. Emphasizing the appropriate handling, care and the use of animals, the courses that are made to help the people prepare for AALAS certification, meet training mandates of regulatory agencies, and improve their knowledge in technical areas.