PREVIOUS BEST BRAD WINNERS
2025 Best BRAD Award Winner:
UConn Health IACUC and Center for Comparative Medicine
Their BRAD celebration brought education, engagement, and community together in an unforgettable way. Held on April 17th, the event welcomed more than 300 attendees, including researchers, staff, patients, visitors, and families—many of whom shared that they left with a brand-new understanding of animal research and the robust regulations that guide it.
What made this BRAD event award-worthy:
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A collaborative effort between the IACUC and Center for Comparative Medicine
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Interactive games like the Wheel of Enrichment and Laboratory Animal Tic-Tac-Toe
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A popular Animal Fun Facts Tootsie Pop Station
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A kid-friendly activity corner with coloring, origami, and word finds
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Educational tables highlighting animal care, housing, and IACUC oversight
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A looping slideshow and video thanking animal care staff
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A lively raffle with prizes earned by answering animal welfare questions
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Tons of themed giveaways and treats—including UConn Dairy Bar ice cream made from UConn cows
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And of course, photos with Toby the therapy dog, who (along with the ice cream!) stole the show 🐾🍦
In addition, this event successfully reached non-research employees, patients, and visitors, sparking meaningful conversations about the value, care, and oversight of animals in research. Thank you to the UConn Health team for setting such a high bar—and to all BRAD participants around the world who continue to advocate for transparency, education, and compassion in science.
Congratulations to runner-up, the Urbana High School
We would also like to recognize Urbana High School (Maryland) as the runner-up for this year’s Best BRAD Award. Led by Dr. Heather Zimmerman and Career Coach Ms. Tonya Chubb, Urbana High School hosted an immersive, all-day BRAD experience introducing students to careers in biomedical research through scientist-led presentations and hands-on activities. The event generated an enthusiastic response, with extensive written feedback from students and staff highlighting its educational impact and inspiration for future careers in science and medicine.
2024 Best Branch BRAD Award Winner:
Nebraska AALAS
"Nebraska AALAS has been participating in BRAD events for the last several years. We've also been participating in the Nebraska Science Fest since 2018. Over the last few years, we've celebrated these two events together during the public expo at the Nebraska SciFest. Members of the NE AALAS branch volunteer for the event and interact with the general public.
We relate to them about our pets and how research animals contribute to the live saving treatments for both people and their furry family members. We educate visitors on careers in animal research, emphasizing the importance of having compassion for animals. Children, teens, parents, and other attendees made inquiries to learn more about the role of animals in research and were impressed to learn that there are such committed teams ensuring the best of care is given to the animals who give so much in turn. We've been able to play enrichment matching games, hold Q and A sessions, hand out educational materials, posters, stickers, tattoos, and other supplies that help keep everyone engaged when learning about biomedical research and animal science thanks to BRAD and their sponsors. - Nomination submitted by Allison Anderson
Congratulations to runner-up, Southern New England AALAS
"The collaboration between SNEAALAS, Yale and Alexion Pharmaceuticals was instrumental in organizing and sponsoring a highly successful event. The provision of lunch and dessert added a touch of comfort and hospitality, while also enhancing the overall attendee experience. Additionally, the inclusion of vendor-sponsored giveaways and BRAD/SNEAALAS branded swag undoubtedly contributed to the excitement and engagement of the attendees. What truly sets this event apart is the level of attendance it achieved, making it the most well-attended SNEAALAS meeting of 2024. This remarkable outcome can be attributed to the proactive promotion of the event through various channels, including social media, email blasts, and word of mouth. The decision to host a BRAD table at the local QUAD AALAS Symposium was a strategic move that not only increased awareness but also directly contributed to the event's success.
The strategic planning and execution of the event were clearly effective, and the various elements such as food, giveaways, and promotion all played a crucial role in its success. The high attendance at the BRAD event indicates that the efforts to create awareness and generate interest were not only successful but also surpassed expectations.The SNEAALAS BRAD viewing party at Alexion Pharmaceuticals was a resounding success and exemplifies the best practices in collaboration and promotion of openness and transparency in research." - Nomination submitted by Megan Gerhardt
2023 Best BRAD Award Winner:
Nebraska AALAS
About the Event:
Nebraska AALAS has been participating in BRAD events for the last several years. We've also been participating in the Nebraska Science Fest since 2018. Over the last few years, we've merged these two events to celebrate them together during the public expo at the Nebraska SciFest. We've collected donations from other institutions and research companies along with BRAD boxes and materials. We welcomed the general public at our booth, quizzing them on their pets and how research animals contribute to the treatments that help keep them and their furry family members healthy and safe. We discussed careers in animal research, emphasizing the importance of having compassionate animal enthusiasts in our field, and engaged them in activities pertaining to laboratory animal enrichment. We were very pleased at how positive of a response we received from the attendees. Children, teens, parents, and other attendees made inquiries to learn more about the role of animals in research and were impressed to learn that there are such committed teams ensuring the best of care is given to the animals who give so much in turn. We've been able to play BINGO, enrichment matching games, Q and A sessions, hand out educational materials, posters, stickers, tattoos, and other supplies that help keep everyone engaged when learning about biomedical research and animal science thanks to BRAD.
What BRAD means to Nebraska AALAS:
“BRAD offers the research community a foot to stand on in advocating for the importance of animals in research and how they’re the champions of ground-breaking discoveries. Moreso, you help demonstrate animal research in a positive, informed light, which is so crucial when engaging with our communities both in and outside of research” – Allie Scamardo
"Because of BRAD, I, along with the rest of the NE AALAS branch, have access to materials and resources to help educate ourselves and our audiences (whether that be at branch meetings, district meetings, national meetings, or community engagements) about the importance of animals in biomedical research. We are able to be an advocate for these animals and know our work benefits both humans and animal lives.” – Allison Anderson
Congratulations to runner-up, Emory University
What BRAD means to Emory University:
"Participating in BRAD has allowed me to develop and improve upon my skills for speaking about animal research to all demographics of audience from the general public with little to no scientific background to doctoral staff, from elementary to senior citizens. The BRAD program supports and facilitates what animal research advocates were doing already but in a harmonized, more organized and intentional way. It is really inspiring to see all of the BRAD initiatives that people are undertaking and the innovative ways they are engaging with educating their communities about the work we carry out. I believe that the BRAD program is really making a difference in increasing awareness about all the great things that go on and result from animal research. This is evidenced by the growing number of participating institutions internationally. "- Sherrie Jean
"BRAD is special to me because it is an opportunity to proudly educate others about the amazing animals I care for and why they are so important. Emory’s BRAD event has expanded greatly over the years and is held in the heart of Emory’s main campus. We are able to spread the word about the importance of animals in biomedical research to hundreds of Emory students, faculty, and staff!" - Rachelle Stammen
Congratulations to second runner-up, Allentown
What BRAD means to Allentown:
BRAD holds a special place in our hearts at Allentown. It is completely in line with our company’s Improving Lives core value, and embodies a collective commitment to advancing biomedical research as well as underscores the profound impact laboratory animal science has in shaping the future of science and healthcare. BRAD is not just an event for us; it's a symbol of our dedication to transparency, innovation, and fostering a workplace where every employee feels empowered by their contributions.
The BRAD event has enhanced our internal efforts to bring our team even closer together, creating a sense of community and shared purpose. The engaging activities, heartfelt messages, and celebratory atmosphere have boosted morale and strengthened the bonds within our organization. BRAD has reminded us that we are part of something much larger – a global community dedicated to advancing health and well-being.
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