An infographic showing what laboratory animal veterinarians (LAVs) do in Korea has been produced and published in an international journal. Created through collaboration among veterinarians working at experimental sites, university researchers and infographic specialists, it has been praised for conveying a specialized profession in the scientific community at a glance in an easy-to-understand way.
Seong Je-kyung and Oh Seung-hyun, professors at the Seoul National University College of Veterinary Medicine, said on the 11th that they "developed an infographic that visualizes the social and academic roles and necessity of laboratory animal veterinarians, their legal status at home and abroad, and the practical duties and ethical and scientific importance, so they can be understood at a glance."
Infographics refer to information expressed visually to deliver it quickly and clearly. They are widely used by news outlets. The infographic developed this time was published on 8th in Laboratory Animal Research, a BMC (BioMed Central) journal under Springer Nature.
A laboratory animal veterinarian is a veterinarian dedicated to the health and ethical management of animals used in research and experiments. While supporting animal experiments necessary for scientific and medical research, they provide treatments that reduce the suffering of laboratory animals. They also enhance animal welfare by creating environments similar to natural habitats. The Animal Protection Act, amended in Apr. 2022, requires facilities conducting animal experiments that exceed standards set by presidential decree to employ veterinarians.
The infographic was developed under the leadership of the Korean College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (KCLAM), chaired by Yonsei University College of Medicine professor Nam Ki-taek. Sixteen laboratory animal veterinarians and six university professors developed the content, and 203 Infographic Lab implemented it as an infographic. 203 Infographic Lab is a specialist infographic firm that has won the world's most prestigious design award, the "Graphis Award," four years in a row.
The research team noted, "This infographic is the world's first comprehensive project for laboratory animal veterinarians," adding, "It will be distributed to animal research facilities worldwide to raise awareness of laboratory animal veterinarians and enhance their professional standing."
References
Laboratory Animal Research (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42826-025-00244-8