Training
Training researchers in non-animal methods
Many involved in chemicals testing are not aware of the range of non-animal methods available or trained in using them. Establishing training programmes around the world makes a huge difference to the field.
We therefore wish to reward individuals, teams or organisations who have excelled in this field.
We are seeking nominations from specialist institutions working in the sector. In addition organisations are invited to put themselves forward. You can nominate an individual, team or institution here.
Lobbying
Policy interventions promoting the use of alternatives
Scientific innovation needs to go hand-in-hand with policy change to ensure that end-users of new testing approaches – industry and regulators – are receptive and responsive to the new methods. Such change requires a multifaceted, global approach, including:
Science-based lobbying at the national level in key global markets to entrench “alternative testing best practices” and a “mandatory alternatives” requirement in legislation, regulatory data requirements, testing guidance, etc.
Science-based lobbying at the supranational level to entrench new non-animal methods in globally harmonised (e.g., OECD) test guidelines and to revise existing guidelines to reflect alternative testing best practices
We therefore seek to reward the work of exceptional individuals, groups or organisations pushing for change in this area.
We are seeking nominations from organisations with a good knowledge of this area as well as from the public. You can nominate an individual, group or organisation here.
Public awareness
Public awareness of ongoing testing
Despite years of campaigning, animal testing has yet to be consigned to the history books where it belongs. But years of high-profile campaigns and media coverage, combined with partial legislative victories mean that there is a common misconception amongst people that animal testing, especially for cosmetics, no longer takes place. It is vital therefore that the public are reminded that this cruel practice is indeed ongoing to rally support for lobbying activities and other interventions and to ensure that this issue remains high on the political agenda. We are therefore seeking to reward excellence and innovation by organisations working in this field.
We are seeking nominations from the public. You can nominate an individual, group or organisation here.
Science
21st century toxicology research
21st Century Toxicology is a new approach to alternatives testing research which is exciting regulators, campaigners and companies around the world. It has become possible because of advances in biology, genetics, computer science and robotics. There are two important elements.
One is that it focusses on ‘toxicity pathways’. The other is that it seeks to build up a map of all known substances and their effects on the human organism.
The vision is that, when new substances become available their molecular similarity to other substances on the map, and the pathways they take, will enable computer simulations to give greater predictive accuracy of toxicity than any animal model. They will also be able to perform such tests very quickly. Once this map is built and working, it is understood that all animal testing is likely to ‘fall away’.
For more information on this subject see:
Humane Society International (video)
National Academy of Sciences Introduction (3pp pdf)
US National Academy of Sciences (Book 196pp)
We are seeking nominations from specialist institutions working in the sector. In addition organisations are invited to put themselves forward. You can nominate an individual, team or institution here.
Young researcher award
Five post doctoral students specialising in alternative research
Toxicology is heavily associated with animal testing, so many with concerns around the use of animals will not even consider it as a field to enter. Those that do attempt it can find that access to funding for working on non-animal tests can be a barrier. We want to change this and encourage young scientists to develop a careers in toxicology without harming animals by offering £10,000 bursaries to allow them to advance in this area.
We are therefore seeking nominations from keen young scientists with a desire to fund the next stage of a career focussed on an animal-test free future. Individuals are invited to put themselves forward here.
