Dear Members and Colleagues of KALAS,

It is a great honor and privilege to welcome you to the 2026 KALAS International Symposium. Having successfully marked our 40th anniversary, our association has now entered a new era of innovation and growth. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all our members whose unwavering dedication has been the foundation of our progress.

This year’s symposium is held under the theme “ALIGN: Advancing and LInking next-Generation methodologies with aNimal models.” As the field of biomedical science evolves more rapidly than ever, we aim to present a future vision for laboratory animal science by organically integrating traditional animal models with next-generation analytical technologies.

We have curated a comprehensive academic program featuring a plenary lecture by the distinguished Professor Atsuo Ogura (RIKEN BRC). Our sessions will cover a wide range of cutting-edge topics, including: Disease pathogenesis research utilizing next-generation organoid and humanized mouse models, Translational modeling driven by AI-based behavioral analysis and radiomics, Global and domestic trends in mouse/rat genome and microbiome research, Essential sessions on the 3Rs, scientific pain management, AAALAC International accreditation, and KLAT educational programs.

In this era of rapid bio-industrial transformation, our social and ethical responsibilities in laboratory animal science are becoming increasingly vital. I sincerely hope this symposium serves as a prestigious platform for sharing academic excellence and strengthening collaboration and networking among researchers and industry partners. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the organizing committee and our sponsoring organizations for their efforts in organizing this event. I look forward to your active participation and a highly rewarding exchange of knowledge.

Thank you.

May 2026
Ki Taek Nam, D.V.M., Ph.D., DKCLAM
President, Korean Association for Laboratory Animal Science (KALAS)