MA Society for Medical Research
James O’Reilly, President
73 Princeton Street, Suite 311
N. Chelmsford, MA 01863
978-251-1556
james.oreilly@msmr.org
Website
Upcoming Events
Coverage Area
New England and sections of New York
Mission
We promote and enhance biomedical and biological research, including the humane care and use of animals, for the improved health and well-being of people, animals, and the environment.
The goal of MSMR is to foster a better understanding of biomedicine by improving basic literacy in and enthusiasm for the biological sciences among the public, the media, and future generations.
Background
MSMS was founded in 1953, incorporated and granted 501(c)(3) status in December 1982. The initial reason for formation of the Society (which is the oldest such organization in the country) was to modify proposed Massachusetts legislation that would have severely hampered medical research and education using animals.
By the time it was incorporated, the focus has expanded to include elementary and secondary education, professional development training for researchers, and outreach to the public and the media about science education, the use of animals in biomedical research, and other topics such as the harmonization of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees and Institutional Biosafety Committees, as well as monitoring legislation.
Starting in the 1990’s MSMR expanded its membership base to include member organizations in all six New England states and New York. To reflect this geographic reach, we have added the phrase “Supporting Biomedical Sciences in New England” to our logo. MSMR is a founding member of States United for Biomedical Research, an umbrella of like-minded organizations across the country.
As part of our efforts, we have produced collaborative professional development workshops on a variety of topics with our peer groups in Arizona, California, Oregon, Ohio, New Jersey and North Carolina. MSMR staff are active in the New England Branch of AALAS and in 2015 MSMR was elected a member of AAALAC. Also starting in 2015, MSMR created a no-fee membership category for high schools in order to strengthen its work in secondary education.
Resources
Public Outreach
MSMR operates the What A Year! website which introduces current biomedical research breakthroughs to secondary school students and teachers. Upon request from teachers we also provide lab tour opportunities and speakers. The What A Year! stories are also available on the American Physiological Society’s Life Science Teaching Resource Community. (http://www.lifescitrc.org/)
The MSMR website offers an extensive list of resource links on bioethics, education, regulatory oversight (IACUCs, IRBs, IBCs).
Research Support
MSMR professional development workshops are presented for members and non-members and have included such topics as IACUCs and IBCs, Security, Research Animal Law, Compassion Fatigue for Laboratory Animal Professionals, the 3 I’ and Biosecurity. We offer an online course, Introduction to IACUCs, and will soon be offering Introduction to IBCs also as an online course. And we provide custom on-site programs and consulting on a variety of topics for our member organizations.
Legislative Tracking
MSMR monitors pertinent legislation in the 6 New England states and New York in order to be able to notify our members about pending bills that may positively or negatively affect their ability to conduct research or maintain operations.
Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsSocietyforMedicalResearch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSMRorg