Laboratory Animal Scientists Association (LASA) India organized the 6th International Conference on "Promotion of Animal Research, Welfare and Harmonization of Laboratory Animal Science" in ACTREC, Navi Mumbai from October 15- 16, 2015. This conference aimed at updating members and other biomedical researchers on specific aspects of advances in the field of laboratory animal science that included- Housing, Breeding, Management, Biology, Medicine, Quality control, Animal experimentation, Alternatives, Import, Animal models, Imaging, Drug discovery, Accreditation, Human resource development, Ethics and Welfare etc. There were eminent subject experts as resource persons from national as well as international organizations.
The Organizers organized two unique events- a one-day pre-conference workshop by AAALAC International, USA on October 14, 2015, followed by the two-day conference. In all 41 participants for AAALAC pre-conference and 165 participants for main conference registered and attended the conference including 2 Malaysian participants. The pre-conference workshop was inaugurated by Dr. SV Chiplunkar, Director, ACTREC, Navi Mumbai. The main conference was inaugurated by Dr. MG Deo, Ex. Director, Cancer Research Institute, Mumbai on Oct. 15, 2015 wherein abstract book of the conference and June 2015 issue of LASA journal was released. Dr. Sanjay Deshmukh, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Mumbai University graced the occasion of Valedictory function on Oct. 16, 2015.
A spiral bound handout of the presentations of the pre-conference workshop of the AAALAC International was provided to the registered participants of this workshop. The Abstract Book of the conference contained proceedings of oral and poster presentations. The technical program was rich and varied, and included two keynote addresses, 20 invited talks spread over six scientific sessions, 9 technical presentations in the oral sessions, as well as 21 poster presentations. Oral and posters presentations were judged for the 'Best Oral/ Poster presentations'.
Five vendors delivered the technical presentations of their products. Opportunity was provided to 16 various vendors to showcase their products before the laboratory animal professionals coming to attend this conference from across the country and abroad. LASA India also acknowledged the support of the Corporate/ Institutional members of LASA India by providing them a 'Plaque' of appreciation during the valedictory function on Oct. 16, 2015.
LASA India thanks the Director, ACTREC for accepting the proposal to host the LASA conference in ACTREC, Navi Mumbai. Our sponsors - governmental, non-profit, and private- who have provided financial support for this conference deserve special thanks.