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Vol 53 No 1 January 2017Institute of Animal TechnologyBulletinWWiisshhiinngg yyoouu aallll aa HHaappppyy,, HHeeaalltthhyy aannddPPrroossppeerroouuss NNeeww YYeeaarr

DevelopmentEDITOR*Sarah Lanebulletineditor@iat.org.ukASSISTANT EDITOR*Carole Wilsonbulletinassistant@iat.org.ukADVERTISEMENTMANAGERSPRC Associates Ltdmail@prcassoc.co.ukPublished monthly by theInstitute of Animal Technology*Registered Office: 5 South ParadeSummertownOxford OX2 7JLISSN 0263-2861For enquiries other thanBulletin related contact:IAT ADMINISTRATOR*admin@iat.org.ukor 0800 085 4380BulletinVol 53 No 1 January 2017Final copy date for March Bulletin1st FebruaryThe opinions expressed in theBulletin do not necessarily reflectthose of the Editor or theInstitute.CONTENTSKen Writes 5-7Congress 8,10,14Workshops 17,26Congress Publicity 9UAR Openness Awards 11Tech Month 18-19Suppliers Register i-xlivBranch News 23-31Situations Vacant 33-34Diary Dates 35

BulletinJanuary 2017• 5Ken Writes…Further to my article in July concerning the very low number of active Fellowsin the Institute, I am absolutely delighted to report the election ofthree new Fellows, Vanessa Andrews, Danielle Cox and SylviaMehigan. All three achieved their election after gaining IAT HE Levels 4 and 5following which they achieved the BSc (Level 6) Professional Practice inLaboratory Animal Science via Middlesex University. I also understand that there may well be other members who are on course tocomplete the IAT Level 6 Award this academic year, which again will be awelcome boost to the numbers of Fellows. A Graduation Ceremony forsuccessful HE students is being planned for this Autumn.There was and is an ongoing discussion for succession planning for thesenior posts on the IAT Council. All current post holders have already beencharged with identifying a suitable (and willing) deputy, who can shadow thepresent incumbent to ensure knowledge and understanding of the roles is notlost. In addition, a number of the senior officers will be coming to the end oftheir maximum five years tenure over the next few years and so it is essentialthat suitable competent individuals are in a position to be elected in duecourse.Speaking of elections, there will be a Council Election this year, which Iam delighted about. I have always felt that individuals should be willing tostand for annual re-election as it gives Fellows and Members a chance to vote,generates interest in Council and is a sign of a democratic and vibrantorganisation.Council have decided to use the services of Understanding AnimalResearch (UAR) regarding our communications strategy for an initialsix month period, concentrating especially on widening the Institute’s use ofelectronic social media. I am delighted to report that there has been adramatic increase in the use of social media, especially on Twitter. More peopleare using Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with the IAT and this willbe further encouraged in the future.Organisation of Congress 2017 is progressing extremely well and a ProvisionalScientific Programme is available in this issue and on the website. I very much hope as many members as possible will be able to take part,especially as following last year’s success, there will again be a large range ofinteractive workshops.

Bulletin6 •January 2017The Animal Welfare Group (a sub-group of Council) has a new Chair in MattBilton and Secretary, Simon Cumming. The Group have also agreed to co-optGemini Bevan. The AWG is an avenue for members to help Council, withouthaving to give up the same level of time commitment.Following many months of negotiation between the IAT and the ScienceCouncil, it is understood the Science Council at their November meetingwill ratify the IAT as being able to award Registered Science Technician(RSciTech). The IAT will then be awarded a licence to award RSciTech for oneyear, which will mean that RAnTechs will be able to apply to be RSciTech usingthe same application process. The IAT syllabuses have been updated and placed on the Ofqualdatabase, known as RITS, have been approved and are now livequalifications. The Syllabus Review Group has now reviewed all the IATEducational Policy documents and they have been uploaded to the website.A meeting of the Youth Reps was held last September and among the topicswas a discussion on IAT merchandising. The Youth Group agreed that a hoodiewould be very popular, suggesting using the strap line “A Caring Career” andfollowing a competition a “mouse” badge was chosen and will be developedinto a design suitable for screen printing. The Youth Reps suggested that AS-ET be the beneficiary of the Branch Raffle at Congress 2017 and thiswas agreed by the Branch Reps.Ken’s viewI have often listened to Animal Technologists bemoaning the fact that theircontribution in the workplace and the wider scientific community is neitherrecognised nor valued. Let’s deal first with the employment opportunities for qualified professionalAnimal Technologists, although few take up the profession because of thepotential financial rewards. There are a number of surveys in the industrywhich give an indication of the salaries available for AnimalTechnologists which compare extremely favourably with otherscientific technicians, plus in the majority of cases wages are farhigher than other animal related occupations.

BulletinJanuary 2017• 7Being recognised by one’s peers is a little harder to quantify but two recentevents I believe, say a lot about how Animal Technologists are now valued.In November the British Pharmacological Society published a report on,“The future of in vivo education and training” seewww.bps.ac.uk/futureinvivoThis report has ten main recommendations regarding those involved inresearch using animals including:7. Support integrated pathways for technicians and animaltechnologists. There should be strong institutional support forcareer progression, skills training and job security fortechnicians and animal technologists, which takes account oftheir key roles in laboratory animal research. Laboratory animaltechnologists should be more integrated into the planning andconduct of academic research and preclinical research anddevelopment, both in industry and academic research.At the November 2017 Understanding Animal Research (UAR) OpennessAwards:The Internal or Sector Engagement Award was presented to theInstitute of Animal Technology for the development of theirCareers Pathway. The pathway provides a clear career structureand development for animal technologists from school leaversto managers. It is open about the need to improve training, andseeks to raise standards, empowering animal care staff seehttp://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/news/communications-media/openness-awards-2016-and-the-80th-stephen-paget-memorial-lecture/I hope these two events give our members the confidence to develop theirown careers and to be effective advocates for the animals in our care.Ken ApplebeeChair IAT Council November 2016

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IT’S TIME TO SERIOUSLY PLAN!But first – have you registered to attend?www.iat.org.uk/congress and find us on21st – 24th March 2017PROVISIONALSCIENTIFICPROGRAMMEPROVISIONAL PROGRAMME IN FULLO The booklet circulated with thisissue of the Bulletin gives acomprehensive guide to theScientific papers and workshopsANDREW BLAKE TRIBUTE AWARDO We are delighted to announce the2017 recipient is John Waters atthe University of Liverpool andyou can read his abstract in thebookletWORKSHOPS AT CONGRESSO Details on TEN workshops arepublished in this Bulletin andfurther information appears in thebookletO A pre-booking online systemapplies this year for ALL delegatesand a link to the booking form willbe sent to everyone who hasREGISTERED – although we arerepeating as many workshops aspossible, places will still belimited, so don’t delay to avoiddisappointmentIf you do not have a hard copy of the‘Provisional Scientific Programme’download it athttp://www.iat.org.uk/congressCheck for updates www.iat.org.ukClosing date to register isFriday 3rd March but don’tleave it to the last minuteif you want to attend theworkshopsTo discuss any aspect of Congresswith the Congress Committee or ifyou have any questions, email –congress@iat.org.uk

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BulletinJanuary 2017• 11UAR Openness Awards 2016 and the 80thStephen Paget memorial lectureOn Monday evening 5thDecember, the IATattended the UAR 80thStephen Paget memoriallecture and the third annualOpenness award at the RoyalCollege of Physicians inLondon. Professor Sir MarkWalport, Government ChiefScientific Adviser (GCSA) andHead of the GovernmentOffice for Science, presentedthe Paget Lecture. After ahistoric review of theemergence of legislationgoverning the use of animalsin research Sir Markchallenged the scientificcommunity to provide amore thoroughly researchedevidence base to supportanimal use. Whilecongratulating the excellentexamples of Openness thathad been awarded, hecautioned againstdragooning unwilling scientists into communicating about their research.The Internal or Sector Engagement Award was presented to the Instituteof Animal Technology for the development of their Careers Pathway. Thepathway provides a clear career structure and development for AnimalTechnologists from school leavers to managers. It is open about the need toimprove training and seeks to raise standards, empowering animal care staff.The IAT were very proud and pleased to have won the category!Steven Cubitt, a Fellow of the IAT and Managing Director of CCTech, collectedthe award on the IAT’s behalf as shown in the picture, Steve (left) with UAR’sSocial Media Officer, Ronnie Guthrie.

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Bulletin18 •January 2017Tech Month – Get Involved!The Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) isrunning an Animal Technologist Month inMarch 2017.This will be a celebration of the contribution thatAnimal Technologists make to animal care andwelfare and to biomedical research. It will consistof a series of events running throughout March andwill also take place at Congress. During March the IATwill be detailing opportunities for Technologists toparticipate in fun competitions, online quizzes, training and Continual Professional Developmentdiscounts, prizes, money off new merchandise and free giveaways.We appreciate that not all Animal Technologists can attend conferences such as the IAT Congress andalso understand that some may not have access to the IAT website and cannot receive e-alerts orupdates on opportunities to participate. To try and ensure that we are inclusive, the IAT is alreadyengaging with local IAT branches all around the UK and Ireland to supply them with freebies to handout to members attending their Annual General Meetings. Information about Tech Month will also be circulated to each branch to inform their members what itis all about. The IAT will also provide new polo shirt and hoodie samples plus the opportunity to have some additional merchandise as prizes if the AGM includesa quiz or competition. Announcements will appear in the Bulletin, via e-newsletters and on the IAT App. In addition to the IAT activities, it is hoped thatemployers might want to get involved and support Tech Month. Here are some ideas:– Provide a tech breakfast or lunch.– Organise a researchers lunch with highlights of projects. – Organise games or competitions.– Award gift cards or other small recognition gestures.– Hold a bowling or laser quest evening.– Instigate a tech awards for excellent work.– Offer an extra half day off via a free raffle.We hope that you will want to get involved and help the IAT toprovide recognition for the excellent work that AnimalTechnologists do 365 days a year. If you would like moreinformation or wish to share what your research facility hasplanned please contact us on communication@iat.org.uk

BulletinJanuary 2017• 19Tech Month – Get Involved!The Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) isrunning an Animal Technologist Month inMarch 2017.This will be a celebration of the contribution thatAnimal Technologists make to animal care andwelfare and to biomedical research. It will consistof a series of events running throughout March andwill also take place at Congress. During March the IATwill be detailing opportunities for Technologists toparticipate in fun competitions, online quizzes, training and Continual Professional Developmentdiscounts, prizes, money off new merchandise and free giveaways.We appreciate that not all Animal Technologists can attend conferences such as the IAT Congress andalso understand that some may not have access to the IAT website and cannot receive e-alerts orupdates on opportunities to participate. To try and ensure that we are inclusive, the IAT is alreadyengaging with local IAT branches all around the UK and Ireland to supply them with freebies to handout to members attending their Annual General Meetings. Information about Tech Month will also be circulated to each branch to inform their members what itis all about. The IAT will also provide new polo shirt and hoodie samples plus the opportunity to have some additional merchandise as prizes if the AGM includesa quiz or competition. Announcements will appear in the Bulletin, via e-newsletters and on the IAT App. In addition to the IAT activities, it is hoped thatemployers might want to get involved and support Tech Month. Here are some ideas:– Provide a tech breakfast or lunch.– Organise a researchers lunch with highlights of projects. – Organise games or competitions.– Award gift cards or other small recognition gestures.– Hold a bowling or laser quest evening.– Instigate a tech awards for excellent work.– Offer an extra half day off via a free raffle.We hope that you will want to get involved and help the IAT toprovide recognition for the excellent work that AnimalTechnologists do 365 days a year. If you would like moreinformation or wish to share what your research facility hasplanned please contact us on communication@iat.org.uk

Bulletin20 •January 2017The AS-ET Trustees would like to wish all our readers best wishes for 2017.G We are very pleased to announce that Jas Barley has joined the AS-ET Board ofTrustees. Jas has a history of service to the IAT, a current member of Councilshe has held a number of important posts including Membership Secretary andChair of the ATW Journal Editorial Board, a position she still holds. Jas hasmade a major contribution to animal technology education serving as anexaminer and specialist lecturer. We welcome Jas and look forward to working with her. G We are very grateful to Jonathon Wood of Datesand who presented a chequeto AS-ET for £1,700. Jonathon raised thismoney by entering a boxing match to raisemoney for another charity, he persuaded hiscolleagues at Datesand to match the amounthe raised by sponsorship to give to AS-ET.This is all the more impressive when youconsider Jonathon has never boxed before.Jas Barley at the AS-ET standJonathan Wood, CEO at Datesand presenting acheque to Professor Lord Naren Patel, Patron ofAS-ET

BulletinJanuary 2017• 21AS-ET is a charity set up to advance education and promote excellence inthe care and welfare of animals used in science.To see how you can apply for a bursary visit our website (www.as-et.org.uk)The companies listed below sponsor AS-ET. If you would like to join themfind out how to support us by looking at our website.BulletinMay 2014• 15AS-ET is a charity set up to advance education and promote excellence inthe care and welfare of animals used in science.To see how you can apply for a bursary visit our website (www.as-et.org.uk)The companies listed below sponsor AS-ET. If you would like to join themfind out how to support us by looking at our website.BulletinMay 2014• 15AS-ET is a charity set up to advance education and promote excellence inthe care and welfare of animals used in science.To see how you can apply for a bursary visit our website (www.as-et.org.uk)The companies listed below sponsor AS-ET. If you would like to join themfind out how to support us by looking at our website.BulletinMay 2014• 15AS-ET is a charity set up to advance education and promote excellence inthe care and welfare of animals used in science.To see how you can apply for a bursary visit our website (www.as-et.org.uk)The companies listed below sponsor AS-ET. If you would like to join themfind out how to support us by looking at our website.BulletinMay 2014• 15AS-ET is a charity to advance education and promote excellence in the care andwelfare of animals used in science. Sponsors of AS-ET are listed below and to find out more please visit the websitewww.as-et.org.ukAS-ET is a charity set up to advance education and promote excellence inthe care and welfare of animals used in science.To see how you can apply for a bursary visit our website (www.as-et.org.uk)The companies listed below sponsor AS-ET. If you would like to join themfind out how to support us by looking at our website.BulletinMay 2014• 15AS-ET is a charity set up to advance education and promote excellence inthe care and welfare of animals used in science.To see how you can apply for a bursary visit our website (www.as-et.org.uk)The companies listed below sponsor AS-ET. If you would like to join themfind out how to support us by looking at our website.BulletinMay 2014• 15

BulletinJanuary 2017• 23Oxford Branch Annual Scientific SymposiumOn the afternoon of Thursday December 8th the Oxford branch held theirsixth annual Scientific Symposium at the Medical Research Council,Harwell. A small trade exhibition with the following companies were in attendance:Tecniplast, Scanbur, Aston Pharma, IPS, Vet-Tech Solutions, MMM MedicalEquipment, Special Diets Services, Impex, LBS and Datesand.The Symposium, as on previous occasions, was a great success with aprogramme of interesting lectures. After the initial registration lunch wasserved, allowing plenty of time for everyone to visit the various trade stands.Afterwards the meeting was opened by the Oxford branch Chair AdrianWoodhouse who then handed over to Michelle Stewart, Scientific Manager atthe Mary Lyon Centre to chair the sessions.The programme began with the following lectures:Huw Golledge – Universities Federation for Animal WelfareCage-side welfare assessments – are our tests sensitive enough, orspecific enough?AbstractAssessing animal wellbeing is crucial to protecting the welfare of animals usedin research. Several techniques have been proposed as cage-side welfareassessment tools which can be used to test whether an animal is suffering poor

Bulletin24 •January 2017welfare. For those concerned with welfare it is extremely tempting to rapidlydeploy and rely upon newly developed methods which promise improveddetection of poor welfare. However, deciding which techniques are usefulrequires careful consideration of what one wants to achieve by scoring welfarefollowed by an examination of the suitability of the test to achieve that aim.This talk will consider how best to assess the suitability of a technique for usein cage-side welfare assessment. The ideal welfare assessment is a test that provides an immediate, non-invasiveindicator of the welfare state of the animal (so-called cage-side assessment)whereby any signs of poor welfare are detected and can be acted uponproviding treatment to ameliorate suffering or euthanasia if the sufferingcannot be treated. Cage-side assessment is analogous to a diagnostic test usedin clinical medicine. An ideal cage-side welfare assessment needs to be bothsensitive (able to reliably identify poor welfare) and specific (able to reliablyidentify animals not suffering poor welfare). There are clearly consequences ifsuffering animals are not identified and go untreated (lack of sensitivityleading to false negative results) but there may also be consequences tomisidentifying healthy animals as suffering such as needlessly treating healthyanimals (lack of specificity leading to false positives). The suitability of varioustechniques as cage-side welfare indicators were discussed, arguing that somemethods currently in use cannot be relied upon as cage-side welfare indicatorsdue to their lack specificity and/or sensitivity. Other methods may be sensitive and specific but impractical, for instance ifthey rely on post-hoc data analysis and therefore do not allow for rapidintervention to relieve poor welfare. Techniques which are not suitable to becage-side welfare indicators may have other uses, for instance in classifying theretrospective severity of procedures; as ‘epidemiological’ indicators of poorwelfare; or as group-level indicators of the efficacy of an intervention, moreanalogous to the measurements used in clinical trials. Tests can be consideredeven though they lack the specificity or sensitivity to be a cage-side welfareindicator, as they could still be applied to improve animal welfare.This talk could hopefully provide a framework for deciding which tests are themost appropriate welfare indicators for a given scenario.Maria Martinez – RAnTech, Primate NACWO, University of OxfordMonkey business – behavioural management of laboratory primatesAbstractMacaques are socially and cognitively complex animals, characteristics that

BulletinJanuary 2017• 25make them ideal subjects for behavioural neuroscience research programmes.However it is those characteristics that make it a great challenge to meet theirnatural needs and ensure the best standards of welfare. To ensure high standards of welfare and the application of the 3Rs it isessential for scientific, veterinary and animal care staff to work closelytogether. This presentation gave an overview of Oxford’s approach to the behaviouralmanagement of laboratory macaques involved in long term neuroscienceresearch.Sonia Bains – MRC HarwellHome-cage analysis system for multiply house miceAbstractSeveral central nervous system disorders such as Schizophrenia, Huntington’sdisease and Autism are investigated using mouse models. The current system ofinvestigation involves removing the animals from their home-cageenvironment and placing them into novel environments to undergo a batteryof tests measuring a range of behavioural and physical phenotypes. These testsare often only conducted for short periods of times in social isolation. However,human manifestations of such disorders are often characterised by multiplephenotypes and have a large social element. Therefore it becomes essential toinvestigate the social behaviours such as social interactions, dominance andanxiety over extended periods of time (months). To address this, MRC Harwell is the sponsor for a ‘CRACK-IT’ initiative by theNC3Rs: ‘Rodent Little Brother’. This initiative was put together to provide amethod of home-cage monitoring of the mice. The system, devised by ActualAnalytics comprises of standard IVC racks fitted with rigs that allows theactivity within a standard individually ventilated cage to be monitored. Thiscan be done by two methods – the first uses radio-frequency identification(RFID) chips to track the mice around the cage, which are detected by theantennae in the baseplate of the rig and the second method uses videorecording. The current set up enables the distinction between three micewithin a cage to be made. Using a combination of qualitative video data andquantitative baseplate data, this system is capable of analysis of activities suchas circadian rhythms, locomotion and time spent in isolation for each mouse intheir home-cage. This unique combination of video and spatial data provides avery rich set of features for analysis and a system is being developed which will

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BulletinJanuary 2017• 27automatically annotate behaviours such as grooming, feeding and socialinteractions without experimenter intervention.This project is aimed at refining existing models used to understand the causeof disorders under investigation by keeping the welfare of animals in theforefront and generating high quality reproducible data which can be used totest possible treatments in the future.Robyn Grant – Manchester Metropolitan UniversityMouse whisker analysisAbstractGenerating quantifiable metrics for the assessment of animal health andwelfare is often intrusive (such as taking physiological samples) and places theanimal under a great deal of stress. Measurable behavioural models have beenproposed as a way to mitigate a large part of the stress and also allow for theanimal to be studied while behaving freely. Several behavioural models havebeen developed in the past, including beam balancing (to test balance),rotorod (to test balance, coordination, stamina), novel object (to test cognitionand memory) and Morris water maze (to test memory and navigation). Thesetests require extensive animal training and usually only measure the durationand frequency of certain behaviours. Most laboratories will expose theiranimals to a host of these behavioural tests in order to capture a range ofbehaviours; however, these approaches lack sufficient sensitivity to whollycharacterise the progressions and recovery of animal health problems over

Bulletin28 •January 2017different periods. Measuring whisker movements might well address thisproblem. Rodent whiskers are specialised for high-speed motor control duringexploration; indeed, the whiskers can move forward and backwards at rates ofup to 25 Hz. With the recent development of high-speed filming techniques, ithas become clear that whiskers can make very complex movements especiallyduring object exploration. Indeed, rodents have the capacity to alter thetiming, spacing and positioning of their whiskers to maximise sensoryinformation using a complex array of facial muscles. In addition, it has beenfound that whisker movements are particularly affected in rodent models ofmotor neuron disease, ageing, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’sdisease. Due to these successes the LocoWhisk arena has now been built whichcan simultaneously quantify locomotion and whisker movements. At the end of the programme the meeting was closed by the Chair, followedby presentations to the speakers and a prize draw for everyone who attended.Our thanks go to Michelle Stewart for chairing the meeting, the MedicalResearch Council, Harwell for the use of their facilities, including the staffinvolved in setting up the Symposium, the Oxford Branch Committee membersfor the actual organising, the speakers and not forgetting everyone whoattended the event.Finally our appreciation and thanks go to the exhibiting sponsors of this event.John BowlerBranch Reporter

BulletinJanuary 2017• 29Stem Cell Biofacility Away Day 2016On the 23rd of September we made the journey across Cambridge to BarHill to partake in the ‘Si5 SpyMissions’ for our away day. As nine ‘spies’ we were split into two teams. One team went off on theiradventure while the other team waited for 10 minutes to elapse before theystarted theirs.Leadership skills were tested in a time pressured environment, as the teamsworked their way through a challenging mission, with the objective ofpreventing World War Three and achieving the highest team score.UNS Steadfast, a state-of-the-art Battle Cruiser, had been seized by enemyforces, with the intention of sailing the vessel to a specific target andlaunching a nuclear missile. Our mission was to stop them!Inside Si5 SpyMissions they have built a UNS Steadfast ship that is divided into16 rooms, each containing an objective which we needed to complete to stopthe missile from being launched. The objectives were a mix of physical tasks,dexterity and mental challenges and all against the clock.On each mission we were set 4 or 5 objectives. A guide is provided that giveshelp and explains the challenges in each room.It all started with Gemini testing her great driving skills to dock us onto theUNS Steadfast.This was thenfollowed by atunnel of lasersthat we neededto cross to get tothe other sidewithout settingthem off,climbing overand under inwhat seemed avery tight space.University Biomedical Services

Bulletin30 •January 2017The next missionconsisted offinding differentobjects to turn onor off within theroom to stop thetimer beforemoving on.Christian was thesmallest in ourgroup so heunfortunately ended up crawling through the smallest of gaps and nearly gotleft behind.We then had to run through a series of small tunnels which Katherine gotstuck in but with the help of team members she was soon eased out and onher way down the cargo net and onto the next task.We were given laser guns next and had to shoot three targets to stop anexplosive device going off. With this complete, we then had to get across threeplatforms onto the other side.

Ladders and platforms of various heights is what awaited us next, higher andhigher we went, we could hear screams from Julie and Claire on the otherteam and really did not know what was ahead. Darren led the way and suddenly disappeared; as we called out for him werealised he had descended down a massive drop slide which we would have tofollow to get out. This was what led to all the screams we had heard!Finally all reunited both teams, though worn out, really worked hard togetherto complete the mission. The world was saved for another day!A great day was had by all with lotsof fun and laughter.We would like to thank IPS and IMPEX Services International Limited for theirkind sponsorship.Katherine BrameUniversity of CambridgeBulletinJanuary 2017• 31

Bulletin32 •January 2017The Surrey Hampshire &The Surrey Hampshire &Sussex BranchSussex BranchOn the evening of Wednesday the 8th of FebruaryYou’re invited to our AGM and a short workshop on:Transmission Pathways – Protecting YourEnvironmentThis workshop will be hosted by Sychem Ltd and willexamine the importance of effective cleaning, disinfectionand hygiene monitoring within a biomedical facility.Topics include:G Identifying the risk of bad hygiene standardsG Identify the key transmission pathwaysG Looking at ways we can take control and manage theriskG Discuss the issues raised and identify how to implementchangeRefreshments and finger buffet will be providedFor more information, or to confirm attendance, please contact our Branch Secretary:francesca.whitmore@apha.gsi.gov.uk

BulletinJanuary 2017• 35DIARY Dates26 JanuaryNamed Persons WorkshopCentral UKDetails fromwww.iat.org.ukSee pages 26-2727 JanuaryFinal date to submit a poster forCongress 2017See page 931 January – 2 FebruaryPiL A-C trainingLondonDetails frominfo@learningcurvedevelopment.co.uk1 FebruaryTecniplast Foundation Course inTecniplast IVC’s Central UKDetails fromclare@tecniplastuk.com2 FebruaryTecniplast IVC Knowledge & SkillsRefresher CourseCentral UKDetails fromclare@tecniplastuk.com8 FebruarySurrey, Hampshire & SussexBranch AGM & Short WorkshopSouth EnglandDetails fromfrancesca.whitmore@apha.gsi.gov.ukSee page 3214 FebruaryWest Middlesex 6th AnnualTechnician Trade DayCentral LondonDetails fromjulie.bee@crick.ac.uk23 FebruaryWest Middlesex Branch AGMLondonDetails fromw.steel@imperial.ac.uk21-24 MarchCongress 2017Latest updatesDetails fromwww.iat.org.uk22-24 March8th European Charles River ShortCourseBerlinDetails fromwww.eushortcourse.criver.comSee page 230 MarchLASA & Fish Veterinary SocietyMeetingEdinburghDetails fromwww.lasa.co.uk/meetingsCover photo: White Tail Deer – Malcolm Gamble