In 2002, two newsletters, one in spring and one in autumn were published, with reports on various activities of the society. In March a symposium on pain was held in Lugano, Switzerland, during the USGEB (Union of Swiss societies in experimental biology) meeting. This symposium was attended by over thirty participants. In November the traditional two day course and workshop was hosted in Davos at the AO-Research Institute. The event focused on large animals in breeding and experimentation and was attended by more than 120 participants. This event was sponsored by LAL (Laboratory Animals Ltd). The SGV also received support from the SANW (Swiss Academy of Sciences), which was used to help young scientists to finance travel and attendance at scientific meetings abroad. Several members of the SGV participated in various working groups and events of FELASA, ICLAS, GV-SOLAS and LAL. Major income of the SGV is coming from the organization of courses and symposia. At the General Assembly in Davos, the treasurer Prof. K. Bürki reported that no benefit was made. After many years of activity, Dr. H. Sigg retired from the head of the committee for continued formation. He was thanked by the president of the society, Dr. R. Pfister for all his efforts over the past years. The new head of this committee is Dr. M. Gyger from the EPFL. A decision was taken to organize the next meeting on assessment and management of pain, a central issue in animal experimentation, together with the VAWV. During 2002, the number of members rose to 136, in that number are included 13 new members and 3 that left the society for various reasons. Further information on future activities can be obtained at the web page of the society: http://www.sgv.org
President: Dr. R.Pfister, Novartis AG
Secretary: Dr.Dr. B. Illgen-Wilke, MicroBioS GmBH
LAL & ICLAS representative: Dr.B.Riederer, University of Lausanne