The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory is scheduled to celebrate 50 years of science 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. October 11 at Fort Rucker.

The 50th anniversary observance is open to the public and will include a commemorative scientific symposium displaying USAARL's commitment to Army research, said Col. Dana K. Renta, USAARL commander and host for the celebration.

"Keynote speakers will present a historic overview of USAARL's scientific contributions, current research, and future endeavors on issues related to medical, physiological, and psychological support for the Soldier and Aviator," said Maj. Jonathan P. Deeter, event coordinator for the 50th anniversary celebration.

The event will also include a tour of the facility, including displays and booths containing information about past and current research and the many products designed by USAARL.

The United States Army Aeromedical Research Unit (currently USAARL) was officially activated as a subordinate laboratory of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command in October 1962 with the mission to provide direct aviation medical research support to all Army aviation and airborne activities, and to provide a central aeromedical research and reference library.

USAARL's current mission is to deliver medical research, development, test, and evaluation solutions to our air and ground Warriors. The Lab conducts medical research to develop return-to-duty standards for Soldiers suffering from neurosensory injuries as well as mild traumatic brain injuries. USAARL also conducts research to determine the effectiveness of life support equipment in addition to preventing and mitigating ground- and air- crew biomechanical injuries. USAARL's research programs aim to prevent or minimize health hazards in the military operations environment to sustain the Warfighter's performance.

USAARL's scientific personnel conduct critical research to solve operational medicine problems and to provide military developers with information and expertise to enhance the performance and safety of future Army systems.

For more information about USAARL or the 50th anniversary events, please visit the website: http://www.usaarl.army.mil.