Dear Members of the Korean Association for Laboratory Animal Science (KALAS),
As we welcome the promising New Year of 2026, I am honored to assume the important responsibility of serving as the 22nd President of the Korean Association for Laboratory Animal Science. I am Nam Ki-Taek of Yonsei University. First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all members for the trust you have placed in me and for your continued support and dedication to the advancement of our Association.
Over the past four decades, KALAS has achieved remarkable growth through the devotion and passion of its former presidents and members. In particular, last year marked a historic milestone as we commemorated both the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation and the 40th anniversary of the establishment of our Association. Through these achievements, KALAS has firmly established itself as a key pillar of biomedical and life science research in Korea. Today, our Association stands at the starting point of another leap forward toward the next 40 years.
The current research environment is characterized by rapid change and ongoing challenges. Amid shifts in global science policy and advances in artificial intelligence and convergent technologies, the biomedical and life science fields are facing greater social responsibility than ever before. In this era of transformation, I intend to guide our Association toward becoming a trusted community that leads the times, focusing on the following three core visions.
First, we will foster a research ecosystem prepared for the future. Based on the principles of the 3Rs, we will continue to promote the advancement of ethical and refined animal research. At the same time, we will lead the development of advanced laboratory animal research technologies by actively utilizing AI-based tools, innovative methodologies, and advanced analytical approaches. Through these efforts, we will strengthen a future-oriented research foundation in which academic value and social responsibility are well balanced.
Second, we will strengthen networks of communication and collaboration. As a bridge connecting academia, industry, research institutions, and government, KALAS will establish collaborative platforms that enable researchers, industry partners, and public institutions to grow together. Beyond academic exchange, the Association will serve as a practical hub of cooperation, ensuring that voices from the research field are reflected in policies and institutional frameworks.
Third, we will enhance the social standing of laboratory animal professionals. Through field-oriented education programs and specialized symposia, we will support our members in being recognized as top-level experts in their respective fields. In addition, we will further strengthen certification programs aimed at enhancing the professionalism of laboratory animal technologists and reinforce cooperative frameworks within the field.
The upcoming Winter Symposium in Pyeongchang on January 28 will mark the first step toward these changes and innovations. Although we face challenging circumstances, the participation and solidarity of our members remain the greatest source of strength for our Association.
Throughout my term, I am committed to building the Korean Association for Laboratory Animal Science into a trusted society and a society in which researchers can find fulfillment and pride. Grounded in a balanced approach to bioethics and scientific advancement, let us work together to further establish KALAS as a respected presence on the global stage.
I wish health and happiness to you and your families, and I kindly ask for your continued support, encouragement, and guidance as we prepare for the next leap forward of our Association.
Warm regards,
Ki-Taek Nam
President
The Korean Association for Laboratory Animal Science (KALAS)
