Following the prosperous 2009, National Laboratory Animal Center (NLAC) embraced more challenges in 2010 with many milestones achieved. The most honorable achievement is that both Taipei and Tainan branches of NLAC have been accredited by AAALAC International. Meanwhile, we have received the 12th “Technology Management Award” in the Enterprise Group, which is the highest recognition for NLAC as a fully equipped “National Level Laboratory Animal Resource Center”.

NLAC accomplished all 10 perspective services in plan to provide customers a more convenient and friendly service system. NLAC Taipei also enhanced the quality of animals to the international standard by rederivation and eradicating Norovirus and Helicobacter in all strains. We received very positive feedback from customers. NLAC Tainan facility is more than 2 years old; it has been successfully accredited by AAALAC International with its very first application and its Animal Hotel service became popular. The synchronized and cooperative scheme between NLAC Taipei and Tainan provides researchers quality laboratory animals and outstanding service in Taiwan.

The greatest event of 2010 was the Three in One International Conference of AFLAS, AMMRA and CSLAS; NLAC successfully participated in hosting the conference, which was a good opportunity to promote and exchange our resource internationally. NLAC was highly recognized by the conference attendants. Meanwhile, NLAC actively signed Memorandum of Understanding with overseas laboratory animal units to establish channels for the latest technical exchange. In order to fulfill the educational demand of the laboratory animal in Taiwan, we organized general science education and professional trainings, such as “science courses for elementary students”, “humane care and use of laboratory animals”, “isolator operation” and “advanced laboratory animal techniques”. In addition, NLAC was proud to host the first overseas training for The Jackson Laboratory and practically accomplished our duty on promoting laboratory animal resources.

NLAC staff constantly pursue advanced techniques, develop new animal models and technical platforms, and offer all-round service. In 2010, Rodent Model Resource Center of NLAC (RMRC-NLAC) had been registered as the 19th repository contributor (the 3rd of Asia) on International Mouse Strain Resource (IMSR) database; it connected Taiwan’s resource to the worldwide network simultaneously.

In 2010, NLAC staff bore heavy working loads and diligently strived to achieve every goal. Consequently, we have been rewarded with pleasant fruits. As we become better and better, the public expect more and more from us. With the existing limited resources, we still make the most effort to write more outstanding history.