e u r o p e a n • c o l l e g e • o f • l a b o r a t o r y • a n i m a l • m e d i c i n e
SPONSORS
Over the last 3 years professional organisations concerned with Laboratory Animal Medicine in Europe, have evolved from both national groups of veterinarians or veterinarians represented within laboratory animal science. This evolution is represented by the European Society of Laboratory Animal Veterinarians (ESLAV), with the European College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ECLAM). ESLAV's role is to encourage European co-operation and representation, with continuing professional development. ECLAM's role is training and certification in Laboratory Animal Medicine. European Commission guidelines for harmonised veterinary specialisation mandate a close relationship between ESLAV and ECLAM, and ECLAM must meet the standards for European Veterinary Specialisation.
ECLAM has now been provisionally recognised by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation; we are reviewing candidates for de-facto diplomat status to build a critical mass of diplomats to begin certification by examination after November 2002. ESLAV has held two successful scientific meetings and is planning a third in conjunction with the FELASA meeting.
ESLAV and ECLAM have been funded by member/diplomat fees, meeting fees and specific funding money or kind from several organisations. We are grateful to Laboratory Animals Ltd, GlaxoSmithKline and Aventis for funding for the initial establishment of ECLAM. Pharmacia Corporation are funding the initial review of training programmes and establishment of an examinations system. In the longer term we see member/diplomat fees with focused sponsorship as the longer term funding system.
However, in the medium term of the next 3-5 years we do see a need for strategic funding to establish ESLAV and ECLAM. It is important to balance a local national focus in laboratory animal organisations with organisations that can effectively operate in the evolving European regulatory, political and social environment. Commercial organisations need to focus their resources cost effectively and ESLAV and ECLAM have led the initiatives to combine meetings and establish forums where both national and European issues can be addressed.
At the same time the scarcity of veterinarians available to work on laboratory animal medicine in Europe must be addressed. These veterinarians must be trained and kept informed. Veterinarians have a vital role as publicly trusted advocates of responsible animal use, and the numbers required are likely to rise.
Please contact the President for further information on sponsorship opportunities.
e u r o p e a n • c o l l e g e • o f • l a b o r a t o r y • a n i m a l • m e d i c i n e