As with most academic societies, the SIVB annual meeting draws heavily on the generous support of donors who provide financial support for the overall program. The donations enhance the scientific program, fund special symposia and keynote speakers, support many of the student programs (i.e. free student registration), and fund student travel and special awards. The Society receives generous donations from Corporations, non-for-profits, and individuals. In many cases, they have provided support over many years. The In Vitro Report will publish a recurring feature article that recognizes the generous support of our sponsors.

In this issue, we would like to recognize the long standing support to the IVACS and the SIVB from the International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER) and the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS). Over the past decade, IFER and NAVS have helped to fund the scientific program and special awards presented to outstanding member scientists by the SIVB. In turn, they draw heavily on the work of the society members and others as building the scientific basis for their efforts to reduce the reliance on animal models in research and testing. NAVS mission, in brief, is to advance science without harming animals. What may not be as widely known about the work of IFER is that they provide grants to graduate students pursuing research and other programs that “encourages them to integrate innovation and discovery with ethics and respect for animals”. Grant support includes both salary and supply funding (www.ifer.org).

The long association between IFER and NAVS and the SIVB reflect the importance of a shared vision that holds in vitro biology as essential to moving biology, toxicology, and clinical sciences forward. It also recognizes the importance of training the next generation of scientists to carry the work forward. On behalf of the SIVB and IVACS, we thank IFER and NAVS for their past support and look forward to a continuing strong and mutually beneficial association.