Features Home Continuing Education Announcements Awards Calendar Certification Membership About Us Newsletters Links	MN AALAS - About Us About the Minnesota Branch of AALAS The Minnesota Branch of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Inc. was established in 1965 as an organization of laboratory animal professionals, including researchers, veterinarians, veterinary technicians and animal care technicians. Our motto is “promoting training and education of laboratory animal technicians and the public in the use of laboratory animals in research”, which reflects our commitment to both science and animal welfare. We accomplish our goals by providing a social and professional network for people working with laboratory animals; training programs; information articles in our quarterly newsletter; access to vendors of laboratory animals and research and animal care products; and public outreach programs. Click here for information about joining. About AALAS The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS), a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership association, is the premier forum for the exchange of information and expertise in the care and use of laboratory animals. Since 1950, we've been dedicated to the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals and the quality research that leads to scientific gains that benefit people and animals. Below is a sampling of the programs, products, and services we provide our members and the laboratory animal science community. AALAS acknowledges and declares our gratitude to and respect for the laboratory animals we use. We acknowledge the privilege granted by society that enables us to continue to use them in conducting essential scientific discovery, efficacy and safety testing. The Association and its membership reaffirms its resolve to continue to be at the forefront of improving the humane care and use of laboratory animals. The Association continues to accept as an ethical imperative, the judicious and humane use of animals that are necessary to conduct research that will continue to lead to the better health and well-being of both animals and humans alike. And, The Association accepts these serious responsibilities with due regard to both the potential benefits and the ethical costs implicit in research conducted with animals. The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science believes that the use of laboratory animals in scientific and medical research is essential to the improvement and protection of the quality of all life. The humane and responsible care of laboratory animals is vital to quality research and, as such, an essential aspect of AALAS endeavors. AALAS is dedicated to building and disseminating a knowledge base in laboratory animal science for the education and training of those who work in this field. Code of Ethics: The Code of Ethics for members of AALAS has been adopted by the Board of Trustees to promote and maintain the highest standards of professional and personal conduct among its members. Adherence to these standards is required for membership in the Association and serves to assure public confidence in the integrity and service of AALAS members: Maintain the highest standard of personal conduct. Promote and encourage the highest level of ethics within the profession of laboratory animal science. Maintain loyalty to the profession of laboratory animal science and pursue its objective in ways that are consistent with the public interest. Recognize and discharge my responsibility and that of my position to uphold all laws and regulations relating to the profession of laboratory animal science. Strive for excellence in all aspects of the profession of laboratory animal science. Use only legal and ethical means in all professional activities. Maintain the confidentiality of privileged information entrusted or known to me by virtue of my position. Refuse to engage in, or countenance, activities for personal gain at the expense of the profession of laboratory animal science. Always communicate associated internal and external statements in a truthful and accurate manner. Cooperate in every reasonable and proper way with others and work with them in the advancement of the profession of laboratory animal science. Use every opportunity to improve public understanding of the role of the profession of laboratory animal science. AALAS National Meeting:Over 200 educational presentations are made each year at our National Meeting. These seminars, platform sessions, special lectures, workshops, and round-table discussions cover a wide range of topics of interest to AALAS members and other lab animal professionals. Publications: Our award-winning publications cover topics of interest to everyone involved in the care and use of laboratory animals and keep members up to date on the latest association news. Certification: Nationally recognized as the authoritative endorsement of technician competence, our technician 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. Laboratory animal facility managers will be interested in our Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) program, which is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field. The annual CEU requirement ensures that certified animal resource managers are abreast of the latest in management techniques and theory. Institute for Laboratory Animal Management (ILAM): ILAM is an education program for professional laboratory animal managers that focuses on management concepts applicable to the animal resource industry. AALAS Learning Library: The AALAS Learning Library (ALL) provides online learning opportunities in professional development and laboratory animal science courses for ongoing education and training. Job Search Resources: The CareerLine page provides year-round opportunities for job seekers. In addition, the AALAS National Meeting features a Career Center to give attendees a chance to discuss career opportunities with potential employees or employers. National Awards: Eight professional and technical awards for excellence in the field of laboratory animal science are given each year at the AALAS National Meeting. Listserves: Join the discussion! Thousands of professionals involved in the care and use of laboratory animals use our listserves to get quick answers and talk about issues relating to comparative medicine, laboratory animal medicine, or biomedical research. Regional and Branch Meetings: AALAS members also have access to nearly 50 regional and branch groups that provide networking and educational opportunities close to where you work and live. Check our calendar for the latest branch and district meetings. Member Directory: AALAS members have access to a searchable member directory; they can also update their directory information online. Directory information is compiled in the annual AALAS Reference Directory -- a handy reference tool for members that also contains information about AALAS products and services and a technical reference section. Public Outreach: The AALAS Foundation 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, web sites, videos and DVDs, and classroom materials.	Sponsors Data Science International - A pioneer in the field of wireless monitoring since 1984, today DSI is the platform of choice for life science researchers worldwide. Tecniplast - Tecniplast USA markets and distributes an assortment of Rodent and Aquatic Housing Systems, Laminar Flow Products, Wash and Automation Equipment to the Laboratory Animal Sciences community throughout the U.S. and Canada. Charles River Laboratories - For more than 60 years Charles River has been helping our global partners accelerate drug discovery and development by providing them with tailored research models and preclinical, clinical, support services. DAI Scientific Equipment - D.A.I. is a sales and technical services group for equipment and related products common to all clinical, educational, biotech and pharmaceutical laboratories. Allentown, Inc. - Located in Allentown, New Jersey, Allentown Inc.'s 200,000 square foot manufacturing facility is fully capable of providing timely, cost-effective solutions for any biomedical research facility. From computer-aided design, development through automated fabrication and welding, Allentown products are manufactured with tight tolerances to precise specifications. Sponsored vendors receive text advertisements in the right panel of each page of this website, as well as rotating ads on the home page. To become a sponsored vendor, click here.