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WEBINAR SEASON IS BACK!

Join our upcoming webinar on September 28th, 2026!

Title: The Human/Animal Bond with Laboratory Animals

Speaker: Melissa Shyan-Norwalt, PhD, CAAB-Emeritus (Professor Educator, Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Emeritus Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist—The Animal Behavior Society).

Host: Julia Swan (University of Eastern Finland &FIN3R Refinement Director)

When: September 28, 2026 (15-16:30 EEST)

Abstract: In the presenter’s experience, a bond, whether intentional or not, is usually established between humans and laboratory animal research subjects. These relationships can take several forms (predator, prey, socially insignificant, conspecific, or symbiont). Whether or not we recognize, or even want to recognize them, research animals develop relationships with us. Laboratory animal professionals must also understand and recognize their own compassion fatigue. “Shutting off” our connection with research animals is not a solution; both human and animal welfare can suffer.

This webinar explores the nature of these human–animal relationships and their importance for both animal and human welfare. Participants will learn why recognizing these associations is essential and how fostering the most appropriate human–animal relationships can enhance animal well-being, support staff, and potentially improve research quality. The webinar will also examine compassion fatigue and how emotionally demanding interactions can contribute to burnout, depression, and reluctance to perform essential duties. Personal examples, including mistakes and lessons learned, will illustrate how recognizing and managing the human–laboratory animal bond benefits both people and animals.

About the Speaker: Dr. Melissa R. Shyan-Norwalt, Ph.D., CAAB-Emeritus, is an Full Professor Educator of Psychology at the University of Cincinnati and a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. She earned her doctorate in Experimental Psychology (Comparative Cognition) from the University of Hawaiʻi, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in primate cognition at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Throughout her career, she has served as a professor, published scientist, animal shelter manager, and consulting animal behaviorist for laboratories, zoos, and private clients.

Dr. Shyan-Norwalt's research and professional interests include comparative cognition, animal welfare, the human–animal bond, animal behavior, and evidence-based animal training. She has published research on species including dogs, cats, dolphins, elephants, and primates, and is widely recognized for her work exploring how human–animal relationships influence animal welfare, staff well-being, and research outcomes. An award-winning educator, she is also passionate about developing engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connect behavioral science with real-world applications for students and professionals alike.

Registration link: Webinar Registration - Zoom

Registrations for this webinar are required! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

During the webinar, please keep your cameras off and your microphones muted. After the main talk, we have time for discussion where you can participate with your face and voice!

FinLAS ry Autumn Seminar 2026: Supporting Welfare and Research with Animals

This year, the FinLAS autumn seminar will be organised in Helsinki. The seminar is primarily aimed at the animal care personnel, but we welcome all other colleagues to join us. The seminar language is mainly Finnish.

Time: September 3–4, 2026

Venue: House of Science and Letters, Cedercreutz Hall (Kirkkokatu 6, Helsinki)

More information about the seminar and registrations are available here.

SAVE THE DATE: Anesthesia and Analgesia of Laboratory Animals: Why Monitoring Matters

Date: 25 September 2026
Place: University of Turku

Join us for a one-day seminar and hands-on workshop focusing on anesthesia, analgesia, and monitoring in laboratory animals. The program will include expert lectures, practical demonstrations, and hands-on training covering rodent anesthesia, anesthetic equipment, vital sign monitoring, and modern monitoring technologies.

Further information and registration details will be announced later.

Organized by the Central Animal Laboratory, University of Turku and supported by Scand-LAS.

save the date!

Annual FIN3R Symposium 2026 will take place on October 27-29th, 2026 at University of Eastern Finland (Kuopio). This years' theme is: "Partners in Progress: People, Animals, and the 3Rs". For more information, please click here.

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