Technician Awards

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Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician, in memory of John Sabine Jr., sponsored by W. F. Fisher and Son 

Laboratory Animal Technician, sponsored by Transnetyx 

Laboratory Animal Technologist, sponsored by ARES Scientific

  Award Eligibility for ALAT, LAT, LATg:

• Active MNYBAALAS member (meeting attendance preferred; list dates for verification).
• Required: AALAS Certification at the ALAT level; registered status preferred (include image of certification in nomination packet).

Awarded: $225 and a plaque 

Selection Criteria:
This award honors a technician who has progressed beyond the basics to become a cornerstone of their team — demonstrating technical mastery, mentorship, and a positive influence on facility culture.

• Technical Proficiency: Exhibits advanced knowledge and skills in animal care, husbandry, anesthesia, surgery, and health assessments.
• Commitment to Animal Welfare: Demonstrated a strong dedication to the humane treatment of laboratory animals, promoting best practices in animal care and compliance with ethical guidelines 
• Leadership and Mentorship: Guides and supports junior staff, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.
• Innovative Problem Solving:  Approaches challenges with creativity and composure, finding effective solutions that enhance animal care and facility operations.
• Peer Recognition: Respected by colleagues for integrity, professionalism, and teamwork; serves as a role model and source of guidance for newer staff.
• Professional Development: Actively pursues continuing education and training, reflecting a strong commitment to growth within the laboratory animal field.

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.