Chairperson: Werner Nicklas

Members:

• Frederik Dagnaes Hansen (Scand-LAS)
• Adrian Deeny (LASA)
• Piet Diercks (BCLAS)
• Alberto Gobbi (AISAL)
• Brunhilde Ilgen-Wilcke (SGV)
• Michel Seidelin (Scand-LAS)

The definition of the health status of the animals used in research is one of the key points in order to assess the results obtained from animal experiments reliably as well as obtain reproducible experimental results. FELASA has a long tradition for issuing guidelines on health monitoring of breeding and experimental colonies. Recommendations have been produced describing the methods, frequency, sample size and organisms to be monitored:

• Read Guidelines
• Read Application Form 1
• Read Application Form 2
• Read Annual Report 1
• Read Annual Report 2

Chairperson: Patri Vergara

Members

• Patricia Costa
• Bryan Howard
• Hans Peter Käsermann
• Timo Nevelainen

The accreditation system

FELASA has established an accreditation system for teaching programmes which follow the four categories for which FELASA has published guidelines. The new system was introduced 1 January 2003.

This quality assurance system is intended to assist in the development of uniform high quality educational programmes for laboratory animal technicians (Category A1-A4), research technicians (Category B), scientists (Category C) and specialists (Category D) throughout Europe.

Motivation

One of FELASA's main activities is to drive the process of continuing implementation of refinement in the husbandry and use of animals in research as well as design of animal experiments. These go hand in hand with good science. FELASA encourages professional competence in all staff working with animals as a prerequisite for implementation of the 3Rs and for high quality science. Consequently, the establishment of an accreditation system ensuring high quality education in laboratory animal science is seen as an important milestone.

Application procedure

Please note: the average time for completion of the accreditation process is six (6) months.

The application form may be downloaded here. All applications including all accompanying documents must be submitted in hard copy to the Accreditation Board Secretariat, FELASA, PO Box 3993, Tamworth, Staffordshire, UK B78 3QU and electronically to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Review process

The review process will be carried out via e-mail communication. No paper documents will be circulated. The process will be conducted and maintained in strict confidentiality. Further details of the process can be found in the recommendations published in Laboratory Animals 36(4): 373-377, 2002.

National liaison experts may be consulted and take part in the review process. FELASA board members have appointed national liaison experts. Site visits to verify quality and content of courses will be made at regular intervals during the life of an accreditation.

Fees

The initial application fee is € 385 and is inclusive the annual fee for the first calendar year.

The FELASA accreditation programme is a non-profit venture, but is required to be financially self-supporting. The annual fee for maintaining an accreditation is € 385. A fee of € 5 will be charged for each certificate issued under the scheme.