JOIN US for our 17th MSMR ANNUAL ENRICHMENT SYMPOSIUM!

 JUNE 5,2025 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM HALF DAY SEMINAR
HAPPY … SAD … GOOD … BAD: ASSESSING WELFARE THROUGH BEHAVIOR

JUNE 6, 2025, FULL DAY SYMPOSIUM
ALL CREATURES BIG & small: ENRICHMENT FOR LABORATORY ANIMALS.

In this workshop, we will explore the critical role of animal behavior in assessing welfare and its profound impact on both animal health and scientific outcomes. Animal welfare may often be perceived as happy, sad, good, or bad, and the true complexity of behavior can be overlooked by stakeholders, limiting our ability to fully understand and support the well-being of animals. By understanding and integrating behavior into welfare assessments, we can develop a more comprehensive approach to animal care that considers how animals perceive and experience their environment. Through a series of interactive video analyses and discussions, we will guide participants to reflect on animals’ sensory experiences and how this shapes their behavior. We will demonstrate how an individualized approach to welfare, using behavior as a key tool, is essential for assessing animals’ emotional states and environmental needs. Tools for evaluating and improving welfare will be introduced, alongside real-world examples from rats to gorillas and practical applications. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to use behavior as a tool in assessing welfare, the role of welfare/behavior staff, and practical strategies for advocating for its broader recognition across fields.

FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2025 … MSMR will hold the 17th FULL day ENRICHMENT SYMPOSIUM at
THE MARRIOTT BOSTON NEWTON
2345 COMMONWEATH AVE
NEWTON, MA
This is an in-person only event.

In addition to a series of expert presentations and vendor exhibits on Friday, June 6, 2025, the MSMR symposium will feature a poster session supported by BIO-SERV with a certificate and $250 honorarium for the poster winner.

A block of rooms has been reserved at The Marriott for $189.00 + 11.7% tax and fees under MSMR ENRICHMENT. To reserve your room call 617-969-1000  The cut-off date for this rate is MAY 14, 2025!


OUR SPONSORS

 


JOIN US! 17th MSMR ENRICHMENT SYMPOSIUM 2025 CALL for POSTERS

2025 MSMR ENRICHMENT SYMPOSIUM POSTER COMPETITION
FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2025 BOSTON MARRIOTT NEWTON, Newton MA

We are seeking colorful and informative posters covering aspects of enrichment used with any laboratory animal species. Accepted posters will be displayed online and in person, at the 17th Annual MSMR Enrichment Symposium: All Creatures Big and Small … Animal Enrichment in a Laboratory Environment on JUNE 6, 2025.

Click Here for Poster Instructions

The poster award recipient will receive a certificate and a $250 honorarium, generously donated by BioServ.

JULY 2025 MSMR On-Line IACUC Training in 6 Weekly Sessions 

MSMR ONLINE IACUC 6 WEEK TRAINING COURSE
Convenient, Effective, Economical!
Across the country there is a huge need for more, and better-prepared, IACUC members, including IACUC community (non-affiliated) members.

MSMR offers on-line training for prospective and new IACUC members, staff and non-affiliate members. The program consists of six weekly lessons plus exercises. Our instructor holds teleconference office hours each week to help students with the lessons and to facilitate discussions among classmates. Successful completion of each weekly module is required before the student progresses to the next module. Students who satisfactorily complete all assignments and class participation will receive an MSMR Certificate of Completion.

If you are interested in this course or if you know of someone who is an IACUC member or is considering serving on an IACUC, check out the course information page here.  

Our 2025 Dates are below … Registration links will be posted 6 weeks in advance of the course.

MSMR MEMBER REGISTRATION IS $225.00     NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION IS $275.00

JULY 18, 2025                MANDATORY ZOOM CALL: JULY 22, 2025
OCTOBER 3, 2025        MANDATORY ZOOM CALL: OCTOBER 7, 2025

BEECH TREE SCHOLARS AWARD PROGRAM
In Memory of Colleen Cody and Angela Birnbaum

Beech trees are associated with knowledge and wisdom, are valued for their strength and broad canopy, and are emblematic of the way in which both Colleen and Angela generously shared their time, knowledge and passion for research ethics and regulation. The Beech Tree Scholars program has been established to both honor their memory and continue their legacy of welcoming those new to the field.

Beginning in 2025, each year a selected applicant will be awarded registration, domestic airfare and hotel to attend the THREE I’s conference. As the network of Beech Tree Scholars and their supporters grows, it will continue to provide both roots and shelter within the research ethics community.

DONATE TO BEECH TREE SCHOLARS PROGRAM