Same job title, different ball game: Institute’s Third Animal Technician Conference brings diverse perspectives together

Key points:

• Over 100 animal technicians from 24 research organisations, universities and commercial companies came together for the third Animal Technician Conference.
• The event is created by animal technicians, for animal technicians, and has maintained a responsive focus on the unique aspects of a career in animal technology.
• The quality of the perspectives and development opportunities the event provides was recognised by the Institute of Animal Technology accrediting the event as continued professional development.

The Institute recently welcomed 108 animal technicians from a variety of academic and commercial settings for a day tailored to sharing insights on the care of different species, career perspectives and personal wellbeing.

This annual event has run since 2022, with the purpose of meeting the needs and interests of those working in animal technology and has become a valuable opportunity for animal technicians to network, gain insights into different animal species and learn about career progression.

Co-organiser Richard Berks, Named Information Manager at the Institute, said: “This year's ATC event saw a wide variety of species talks, highlighting best practice in husbandry, enrichment, welfare and the 3Rs. The use of different species to further our scientific knowledge was also represented, including the work of the McGough lab here at the Institute. In addition to animal care, we continued our focus on highlighting how animal technicians and service technicians can be supported, both in term of career development and in considering wellbeing.”

During the course of the day, attendees heard about the care and welfare of several species used in research: mice, cows, pigs, chickens, Welsh mountain ponies and ferrets. Ian McGough, research group leader at the Institute presented the group’s work on organ development in fruit flies, which depends on exposure to different concentration gradients of signalling molecules to influence cell identity. A highlight of the day’s programme was a fascinating talk about the work of the British Antarctic Survey and the variety of unusual species they work with, often being the ones to discover how to care for them.

Presentations highlighted specialisms associated with the work of an animal facility, such as robotic cage washing technology and working with aged mice which require enhanced welfare interventions to minimise harms.

Presentations also discussed staff wellbeing and support, and important non-technical skills that can support career development. For the first time, the event included posters to allow greater sharing of best practise.

Attendees shared their reflections on the highlights of the conference for them:

“I very much enjoyed the day. In my opinion it was the best one to date.” BSU Facility Manager, Babraham Institute

“There was an excellent selection of talks this year, varied, but all interesting, and all pitched at the right level. It was a great day and I found it enjoyable to catch up with old colleagues.” Animal Facility Supervisor, University of Cambridge

“I liked seeing the variety of roles that animal technicians can do, and it widened my view on what my career path could be.” BSU Animal Technician, Babraham Institute

“I enjoyed all the talks, especially hearing about species I’ve never worked with. It was a good day out of my facility, doing something a bit different.” Animal Technician, Agenda Life Sciences

The event strongly aligns with the themes of the Technician Commitment to promote the visibility, recognition and career development of technicians as well as addressing the sustainability and retention of expertise. Organisers Sarah Drummond and Richard Berks were recognised for the impact of the work in organising the event by receiving the Institute’s 2024 Knowledge Exchange Prize.

Co-organiser Sarah Drummond, Experienced Animal Technician, reflected: “After attending the first Animal Technician Conference in 2022 and absolutely loving it, I knew it was something that I wanted to get involved with. I am so pleased that we have been able to hold it again for the third year in a row now and so proud of the Institute support. I think it’s a great opportunity to hear from other technicians to find out about different species, different job roles, opportunities, and new ideas. Aside from the talks I feel that it’s a great benefit to connect and talk to others in our profession as it can be difficult to talk about the challenges that come with this job to others.”

The event organising team would like to thank everyone who supported the development of the event and the event’s sponsors: Agenda Life Sciences, Aston Pharma, Babraham Research Campus, Charles River, Clinipath Equipment, Datesand, Fera Science, inotiv, LabTACK, LBS Biotechnology, Tecniplast, The Learning Curve, Transnetyx, VetTech. 

Notes

Press contact and Institute lead on openness: Dr Louisa Wood, Head of Communications, louisa.wood@babraham.ac.uk

Image description: Collage of species discussed: Mice, cows, pigs, chickens, flies, Welsh mountain ponies, ferrets

About animal research at the Babraham Institute

As a publicly funded research institute, the Babraham Institute is committed to engagement and transparency in all aspects of its research. As a signatory to the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research since 2014 and a Leader in Openness from 2019 onwards, we aim to communicate openly and honestly about the involvement of animals in the Institute’s fundamental research. You can find out more about when and why animals are used in the Institute’s research on our animal research pages as well as how we’re working to reduce, refine and replace the use of animals wherever possible.

Please follow the link for further details of our animal research and our animal welfare practices: www.babraham.ac.uk/about-us/animal-research

About the Babraham Institute

The Babraham Institute undertakes world-class life sciences research to generate new knowledge of biological mechanisms underpinning ageing, development and the maintenance of health. Our research focuses on cellular signalling, gene regulation and the impact of epigenetic regulation at different stages of life. By determining how the body reacts to dietary and environmental stimuli and manages microbial and viral interactions, we aim to improve wellbeing and support healthier ageing. The Institute is strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, through Institute Strategic Programme Grants and an Institute Core Capability Grant and also receives funding from other UK research councils, charitable foundations, the EU and medical charities.