The Gesellschaft für Versuchstierkunde/Society for Laboratory Animal Science (GV-SOLAS) is a registered association that has promoted the responsible use of laboratory animals since 1964. It sees its role as an intermediary between animal welfare and research for the benefit of humans and animals. In 1997, under the umbrella of the GV-SOLAS, the IGTP (Interessengemeinschaft Tierpfleger; animal caretakers and technical staff collective) was founded.
The objectives of the IGTP are the communication and exchange of experience between technical staff to promote the dissemination of technological innovations in the field of laboratory animal science. The IGTP organizes training for technical staff, is committed to the harmonization of training for animal caretakers, as well as to promoting the education of bachelor professionals of animal care and management and contributing to the publications of the GV-SOLAS. The GV-SOLAS/ IGTP currently has 1186 ordinary, associate and supporting members.
The GV-SOLAS is a competent contact for legislators, scientists and the public on issues of laboratory animal science. Its nine permanent committees publish recommendations on topics of laboratory animal welfare, husbandry, nutrition, genetics and breeding, analgesia and anesthesia and hygienic aspects. A further two committees focus on education and training of personnel in laboratory animal science (LAS) in Germany, and certify LAS courses or facilities for continuing education for LAS specialists. The title of ‘Expert for laboratory animal science GV-SOLAS’ is awarded after completing a continuing education program. By organizing scientific conferences and training events, the GV-SOLAS provides a forum for all those working with laboratory animals.
At the annual conference, prizes are awarded for best poster and oral contributions. GV-SOLAS also established a program to kick-start research projects related to the 3Rs for its members. The GV-SOLAS works with national and international associations (FELASA, ICLAS, VBIO and others) and thereby contributes to the harmonization of experimental animal research at a European level. The GV-SOLAS has now decided to translate into English all scientific information and publications on the GV-SOLAS home page http://www.gv-solas.de/, with 50 publications out of 75 in total still awaiting translation. GV-SOLAS intends to reach readers abroad as well as non-German-speaking people in Germany who are involved in animal experiments.
The number of personnel involved in animal experiments has increased steadily during recent years and it is important to make the GV-SOLAS publications, which act as working guidelines, available to everyone engaged in animal experimental work in order to maintain the high standards of animal welfare and animal research in Germany. The first publications to be translated (all from 2017) will be ‘Recommendations for blood sampling in laboratory animals, especially small animals’, ‘Recommendations for administration of substances to laboratory animals’ and ‘Humane housing of laboratory rats’.
