Innovation of the Year Award

---

 Award Eligibility:

• Open to any individual within a laboratory animal science facility 
• Must demonstrate active involvement in initiatives that promote animal welfare and enrichment.
• MNYBAALAS meeting attendance is required.

Award Criteria:
This award recognizes individuals or teams who have made outstanding contributions to enhancing the welfare and enrichment of laboratory animals. Nominees will be evaluated on contributions in the following areas:

• Innovative Enrichment Practices: Developed or implemented novel enrichment strategies (environmental, social, or sensory) that enhance animals’ physical and psychological well-being.
• Welfare Assessment & Impact: Applied systematic welfare assessments (behavioral or health monitoring) and demonstrated how improved practices positively affect both animal well-being and research outcomes.
• Collaboration & Education: Promoted animal welfare through teamwork within or outside the institution, and through training programs or educational materials that raise awareness among staff, researchers, and students.
• Commitment to the 3Rs: Actively advanced the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement, ensuring ethical considerations remain central to animal care and use.
• Sustainability & Institutional Impact: Implemented sustainable practices that enhance welfare while contributing to environmental responsibility and long-term institutional improvements.
• Measurable Outcomes:Focuses on providing clear, quantifiable results from welfare initiatives (e.g., reduced stress indicators, better breeding outcomes, improved data quality).
• Continuous Improvement: Recognizes ongoing efforts to refine, adapt, and advance welfare practices, ensuring they remain effective, evidence-based, and responsive to animals’ needs.