After donating years of service to the National Academies, one of the most prestigious scientific organizations in the United States, University pathology Prof. Peter Ward was honored last week when he was named a National Associate of the organization.
- Paul Wong
- Peter Ward, pathology prof. and chair of the Council for the Institute of Laboratory Animal Research, was one of 325 people to be named a National Associate by the National Academies. <br><br>DAVID KATZ/Daily
Ward has been a member of the Institute of Medicine, a subgroup of the National Academies, since 1990. He has donated much of his time working as chair for the Council for the Institute of Laboratory Animal Research and contributing to a quarterly journal released by the institute dedicated to the proper care and use of laboratory animals.
“Some of the publications have become quite authoritative in setting the standards of practice,” Ward said.
Ward said right now the institute is developing an authoritative publication describing appropriate laboratory procedures to ensure that animals are properly cared for and to protect humans from becoming infected.
“(The publication) is used as a guideline for how sub-human primates should be cared for and used in the lab setting,” Ward said.
Ward is particularly concerned with the proper treatment of lab animals because he uses them in his own research.
“I felt that it was part of my public duty to become involved,” he said.
According to fellow University Prof. Steven Kunkel, Ward has done more than his share to become involved with animal research.
“He”s one of the main people dedicated to the humane use of research animals,” said Kunkel. “He”s served on councils to make sure animals are protected.”
Kunkel also made note of Ward”s dedication to research and science.
“He”s an extremely well-known person, he”s been an incredible mentor and has always been in the know he”s always on the cutting-edge of science,” Kunkel said.
Thousands of individuals volunteer their time to the National Academies organization, but only 325 are recognized as National Associates for their superior service. Individuals work outside the government to provide advice on science, technology, and health matters. Ward was selected due to his outstanding dedication to the organization.
“It”s a nice recognition of the fact that one puts a lot of time in these activities and that what one is doing is important,” Ward said.