SCAW Annual Conference

The Scientists Center for Animal Welfare (SCAW) Annual Conference is a pivotal event dedicated to advancing research animal welfare through education and collaboration. This two-day conference will cover crucial findings and advancements in the field of animal welfare, alongside discussions on policy and management related to Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs). The SCAW Annual Conference aims to enhance awareness regarding the humane care and use of agricultural animals in research. Notably, SCAW has established a Student Scholarship Fund to support full-time students interested in attending their workshops and conferences.The conference will be held at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, and is designed for a specialized audience, including experienced IACUC members, principal investigators, attending veterinarians, regulatory personnel, and laboratory animal care staff. With the approval of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) RACE program, attendees can earn continuing education credits recognized by various professional organizations, including RACE, PRIM&R, and AALAS. The event features an array of expert speakers such as Dr. Lisa Barber, Dr. Sreekant Murthy, and Dr. Sally Thompson-Iritani, who will lead discussions on topics like the inclusion of ethics in IACUC guidelines and building resilient contingency plans for animal care. Other notable speakers include Dr. Susan B. Harper and Dr. B. Taylor Bennett, who will share insights on IACUC training and management strategies.Exhibitors at the conference include UTHSC-SA, CITI Program, Tech Software, Inc., and Merck, Inc., all of whom contribute to the conference's mission of promoting animal welfare in research settings. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in small group discussions and case studies, focusing on critical aspects of IACUC responsibilities and research safety assessments. The conference encourages collaboration and networking, culminating in a reception sponsored by CITI Program and Tech Software. Overall, the SCAW Annual Conference represents a significant step towards enhancing the standards of animal welfare in scientific research, fostering a culture of care and ethical responsibility within the community.