The largest annual global prize fund in the non-animal testing sector opens this week, with almost Dhs 1.4m available to scientists and campaigners. Scientists and organisations across the Middle East are invited to participate.
Nominations for the 2015 Lush Prize will open on 24th April, World Day for Animals in Laboratories. This fourth year of the Prize will mark one million pounds having been given to support initiatives to end the use of animals in toxicology (chemical testing) research.
A joint project between cosmetics company Lush and research group Ethical Consumer, the prize is designed to drive forward the complete replacement of animals in experiments.
The five main categories of prize cover science, training, young researchers, public awareness and lobbying and are create a bridge between all the networks required to create humane and relevant scientific alternatives to using animals. A sixth category, the Black Box Prize, is available to any scientist or team responsible for a key breakthrough in human toxicity pathways research. In this instance the full Dhs 1,374,147.18 (£250,000) would be awarded to that individual category.
Thirty seven scientists and organisations in 19 countries have so far benefited from more than Dhs 4.1m Lush Prize funding for 'outstanding contributions' to replace animal testing. Winners in 2014 reflected the global nature of the prize, representing 11 countries, including the first winners from Africa and South America.
Lush Prize spokesperson Craig Redmond said: “Animal testing is increasingly recognised as being unreliable and unscientific. In addition, a new report from the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics has described these experiments as ‘morally unthinkable’. The Lush Prize brings together scientists, campaigners and lobbyists to encourage progress in more humane and more relevant scientific activities to end animal tests. We are excited to again be rewarding fantastic work around the world.”
Nominations for the Prize can be made online at www.lushprize.org and close on 24th July. A panel of expert judges from around the world meet in September and winners are awarded their prizes at a conference and dinner in London in November.