AAALAC Celebrates 60 Years of Promoting Animal Welfare Globally

In 2025, EARA member Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International marks its 60th anniversary, celebrating a legacy of improving animal welfare in science and education.  

With over 1,100 accredited programmes in 51 countries, AAALAC continues to expand its global reach, welcoming 33 new ones in the past year: most of them outside the United States, including in France, Hungary, Lithuania, the UK, Egypt, the UAE and countries across the Asia-Pacific. 

This year also brings new leadership and updated guidance, with AAALAC introducing several new Position Statements, including guidance on the application of the 3Rs.  

A new statement on Culture of Care emphasises the importance of compassionate, collaborative research environments that continuously strive for higher animal welfare standards. Additionally, AAALAC revised its expectations for the role of Attending Veterinarians, strengthening their responsibilities in ensuring oversight and ethical treatment.  

CEO Gary Borkowski said, “The AAALAC enterprise is truly the result of many dedicated individuals and organisations in pursuit of a better world with animal welfare featured prominently. There are numerous research fields where animals are an essential component, and AAALAC is committed to supporting the care and welfare of these animals across the entire spectrum.” 

AAALAC’s collaboration with EARA continues to grow, with EARA now a formal Member Organisation.