In recognition of the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science’s (ICLAS) 70th anniversary in 2026, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Roundtable on Science and Welfare of Animals Involved in Research is launching the Global Dialogues on Laboratory Animal Science webinar series. Developed with input from Dr. Marcel Frajblat of ICLAS, the series will examine important questions that may shape laboratory animal science over the next 25 years.

The series will bring international perspectives to timely issues at the intersection of science, animal welfare, ethics, technology, sustainability, facilities, workforce needs, and the global alignment of standards and expectations. Rather than attempting to predict the future, the webinars will identify and openly examine critical questions facing the field, explore possible directions, and foster dialogue across regions and career stages. Each session will incorporate facilitated discussion and live polling to surface priorities and help inform subsequent webinars in the series.