During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the state has explicitly stated the need to “enhance the capacity of the quality and technical infrastructure, strengthen standard-setting leadership, elevate internationalisation levels, and bolster brand development.” For life sciences and pharmaceutical research, standards for laboratory animals serve as the lifeline ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of scientific data, and furthermore act as the passport facilitating the clinical translation and industrial application of research outcomes. Guided by this strategic direction, the Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine formally launches its “Laboratory Animal Standards” column, dedicated to establishing a core academic platform for the development, exchange, and promotion of standards within China’s comparative medicine and laboratory animal sectors.

>>>Column positioning: Establishing the cornerstone for high-calibre research

This column focuses on all aspects of standardisation research and practice concerning laboratory animals. We cordially invite contributions from experts and scholars worldwide, covering topics including but not limited to:

1.     Interpretation and Presentation of New Standards: In-depth analysis and application guidance for newly released key laboratory animal standards both domestically and internationally.

2.     Development of Standards and Methodological Research: Research and establishment of new standards and specifications concerning experimental animal quality control, animal welfare and ethics, model development, testing techniques, and standardisation of environmental facilities.

3.     Standardised Practices and Applications: Practical implementation in cutting-edge fields including gene-edited animal models, novel humanised models, germ-free animal technology, and standard operating procedures for animal experimentation.

4.     Standardisation of Laboratory Animal Welfare and Ethics: Exploring pathways towards standardisation within the systems for ethical review, regulation, and safeguarding of laboratory animal welfare.

>>>Green Channel: Setting New Benchmarks Together

To gather the finest minds, we have established a fast-track submission process for this column:

1.     Fast-track initial review: Manuscripts will undergo preliminary assessment within 48 hours, bypassing the standard queueing process.

2.     Priority Review: Upon passing the initial screening, submissions will be promptly forwarded to authoritative experts in the relevant field for assessment.

3.     Priority Placement: Upon acceptance, your work will be given priority for scheduling in upcoming issues, significantly reducing the time required to publish your valuable research findings.

We fully recognise that an advanced standard can regulate an industry and lead a field. Through this column, we aim to pool academic wisdom to jointly advance the standardisation, precision and internationalisation of China's laboratory animal science and comparative medicine research. Together, we shall contribute to strengthening the national quality infrastructure and building China's scientific and technological brand!

>>>Submission Guidelines

Please submit your manuscript via the online submission system on the official website of the Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine (http://zgsydw.cnjournals.com/zgbjyxzz/home). When submitting, please indicate “Laboratory Animal Standards Column” in the remarks section.

Editorial Office of the Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine