"Laboratory animals in biomedical research - the way forward"
9th International Conference of LASA India was jointly organized by Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune and National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune In association with Laboratory Animal Scientists’ Association (LASA), India at IISER Pune and NCCS Pune on November 21-23, 2019. The theme of the conference was “Laboratory Animals in Biomedical Research- The way forward” which included invited lectures and keynote speeches from internationally renowned speakers from several countries, covering a wide range of topics relevant to laboratory animal science.
Two pre-conference workshops were organized on Nov. 21, 2019. The Pre-conference workshop- I was on a theme “Establishing Indian College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ICLAM): A Specialty Program of LASA India ”. The idea to hold the workshop on this subject was to establish the ‘Indian College of Laboratory Animal Medicine’ and creating awareness amongst the stake holders about the need to start the College in India. The workshop started with welcome note by Dr. Mahesh Sahare, Organizing Secretary, LASACON 2019 followed by keynote address by Dr. Arvind Ingle, President LASA, India. Dr. Shakthi Devan, Secretary LASA, India gave an overview of the ICLAM workshop as part of standardization of Laboratory Animal Medicine in India as well as harmonization process among member Colleges. The workshop included talks by eminent speakers from the International Association of Colleges of Laboratory Animal Medicine (IACLAM), American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) and Japanese College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (JCLAM). The workshop began with a talk on “JCLAM foundation and background for the establishment of laboratory animal medical profession group in Japan” by Dr. Tsutomu Miki Kurosawa, President of JCLAM, Japan and the First President of IACLAM. Dr Kurosawa explained about JCLAM including the process involved while formation of laboratory animal medicine in Japan and shared his experience towards establishing ICLAM.
The second speaker was Dr Angela King Herbert, Head, Laboratory Animal Medicine, National Toxicology Program (NTP), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, USA. Dr. Herbert presented an outline of the history of ACLAM, the role of the ACLAM diplomates, training standards established by ACLAM for those seeking board certification, and recertification of ACLAM diplomates.
The third speaker for the session was Dr David Moore, Emeritus Associate Professor of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA delivered a talk on ‘Role Delineation Document’. Dr Moore emphasised the importance of RDD as well as knowledge and tasks required for the candidates including post certification requirements with species involved. Since Dr. Hilton Klein, President, IACLAM could not make it to attend the conference, Dr. David Moore delivered his talk too on ‘The Role of IACLAM in Advancing the Mission and Strategies of Colleges of Laboratory Animal Medicine on a Global Level’. The talk highlighted about harmonisation aspects and briefed about the Diplomates/ specialist survey responses presented apart from the important roles played by laboratory animal veterinarians in biomedical research and medicine. All the four talks were provided greater overview of laboratory animal medicine practiced worldwide with broader perspective. The mission of IACLAM is mainly by supporting through scientific information and organisational resources from its members to advance the specialty of laboratory animal medicine by providing a common platform at global level. This was followed by a panel discussion by the speakers including Dr. Ingle and Dr. Devan who gave better insights towards the formation of ICLAM and clarified the queries of workshop participants. A total of 98 professionals working in laboratory animal science attended the workshop.
The pre-conference workshop- II was conducted on the topic “Critical Factors Affecting Cage Processing and Lab Animal Hygiene”. The workshop- II started with welcome note of Dr. Nixon Abraham, IISER Pune. The experts of the field shared their valuable experiences and guided towards advanced techniques dealing with laboratory animal hygiene in vivarium. A total of 173 delegates attended this workshop.
The main two-days conference started on November 22nd, 2019. The conference started with the opening remark by Dr. Mahesh Sahare, Organizing secretary of LASACON 2019. Dr. Sanjeev Galande, Dean, R and D, IISER Pune welcomed the guests and delegates. Dr. Arvind Ingle, President, LASA India briefed about the activities of LASA. The Chief Guest Dr. O.P. Chaudhary, Joint Secretary (Animal Welfare) & Chairman, CPCSEA, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India inaugurated the 9th International Conference of LASA India with the release of conference proceedings followed by inaugural speech with focus on CPCSEA’s role in animal ethics. Dr. Ramanamurthy, Convener, LASACON 2019 offered the vote of thanks.
The technical program included 23 invited talks spread over seven sessions based on themes “Animal welfare, ethics and policies”, “Advances in laboratory animal husbandry and modernisation of vivarium”, “Animal models in cancer and behaviour studies”, “Breakthrough in genome editing tool for generation of animal models”, “Preclinical animal models for human diseases” and “Alternative laboratory animal experimentation”. A total of 50 abstracts were selected for poster presentation and 3 for oral presentation. Renowned experts from national as well as international organisations delivered lectures on the basics to advances of laboratory animals in biomedical research. In addition to this, “Fondazione Guido Bernardini” quiz was organised by Dr. Marcel Gyger, Scientific Committee, Fondazione Guido Bernardini, Italy and lucky winner was presented with free iPad. A half day conference session was held at NCCS, Pune on Nov. 23, 2019.�
We were glad to have Dr. S. K. Dutta, Member Secretary, CPCSEA, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India as a Chief Guest for the closing ceremony and the valedictory function. The chief guest awarded the prizes for the best posters presentation and oral presentation. A total of 28 sponsors/ vendors/ distributers from India and abroad showcased their innovative products related to laboratory animal housing as well as research during the conference days. Dr. Sanjeev Galande and Dr. Arvind Ingle presented the Plaque of appreciation to sponsors during the valedictory function for their generous support and making the event successful.
A total of 314 participants from all over the country came together for sharing and advancing knowledge about the uses of laboratory animals in biomedical research. In conclusion, this was a versatile, interactive conference that involved policy makers, veterinarian, biological scientist, student and vendors to address the future challenges in laboratory animal science.�