Panorama Newsletter

David Taylor, Manager of Animal Services at Deakin University, shares with us the highlights of this captivating event in Australia

David Taylor, a dynamic and accomplished figure in the field of animal welfare, played a pivotal role as the organizer, keynote speaker, and moderator at the highly successful Tecniplast Australia Animal Welfare Symposium 2023.

The symposium, hosted by Deakin University, brought together experts and professionals to discuss and address critical issues related to animal welfare.

David, could you share with our readers your perspective on the increasing value of this event year by year?

I thoroughly enjoyed representing Deakin University and the Animal Services Team whilst partnering with Tecniplast for the event. The value of such an event, especially in Australia and New Zealand, is not only that it delivers another key event to the annual calendar; but it also provides an environment in which the primary focus is the welfare of the animals in our care. This is delivered through a sharing of experiences and key learnings in a supportive environment promoting animal welfare excellence. The beneficiaries are the animals, care providers, researchers and their research programs. The event provides an opportunity for a “raising of the bar” of the expected minimum standards in animal husbandry and enrichment approaches in support of research excellence.

The presenters all had a strong focus on ethics, respect, care and welfare of animals used in research in Australia and New Zealand. The Symposium is also a great meeting to promote continuing education and networking with others in the field. Would you agree?

Yes, I agree, especially due to the years impacted by the pandemic. It is essential we start reconnecting and investing in self-development which can be one of the first things paused when busy or during times of uncertainty. Due to the intimate nature of the event, there an opportunity for people to have one-on-one time with industry leaders and to consider presenting.

Participants seem to have a personal and professional commitment to the health and care for animals used in research. From some presentation and related Q&A sessions it seems that they are looking an exchange of information with the objective of identifying higher standards. This Tecniplast event is perceived by participants as an important meeting at a national level to promote communication, informed discussion, and continuing education for improving animal welfare. Can you comment on that? Do you agree that animal welfare is one of the most important drivers, especially in Australia and NZ?

I agree with the importance of promoting communication, informed discussion, and continuing education for improving animal welfare as being one of the major reasons for the event’s success. Research industries in Australia and NZ, I would suspect, are no different to that of others around the world in that we all have a passion to deliver positive outcomes now and for the next generation that join our industry.

Would you recommend Panorama Readers participate in the Animal Welfare Symposium next year? If so, why?

Yes, this is a great opportunity as previously mentioned to reconnect in an environment with a primary focus on anima l welfare in research. As with any event, the more that attend and contribute, the more it will grow and succeed, which this event has surely achieved over the years.

Do you have Tecniplast products in your facility? If yes, what?

Yes, we have a full array of Tecniplast equipment including Green Line Mouse and Rat IVC systems and AHUs, Zebrafish Aquatic System, Zebrafish Standalone Systems, Zebrafish Spawning Tanks, Tritone Robotic Zebrafish Feeders (2nd installation just completed), Cabinet Washers and Aquatic Washers. We recently installed enriched runners for our Zebrafish main system which has been well received by the animals, researchers and Animal Services Team.

Why did you choose Tecniplast products? What benefits and features did you require?

Tecniplast products have been chosen for their quality and innovation, but the entire Tecniplast team’s collaborative approach and service support play a major part in delivering a successful animal research platform.

LAURA YUEN
MARKETING SPECIALIST, TECNIPLAST AUSTRALIA