State Secretary Ophelia Nick, animal welfare research award winner Prof. Dr. Hans Clevers (l), animal welfare award winner Prof. Dr. Adrian Smith, Head of the Bf3R, Prof. Dr. Gilbert Schönfelder (r).
Image source: BMEL.

Last September, we were pleased to hear that the German government had increased the amount of the animal welfare research prize to be awarded from 25,000 euros to a total of 220,000 euros. This was linked to the intention to give the prize more international relevance. The sum is divided into three categories: an international research prize is awarded for innovations with a very large impact in the field of replacing or reducing animal experiments on a global level. Secondly, there is a national prize for young scientists for innovative, forward-looking scientific theses or follow-up work on the replacement or reduction of animal experiments.The third prize is an international animal welfare prize for social and civic commitment in the field of laboratory animals.
Another not insignificant innovation is that, in contrast to previous years, only national 3R centers and the heads of national research institutions in the field of life and natural sciences are eligible to submit proposals. However, in addition to scientists, the jury also includes two animal rights organizations.

Human organoids with far-reaching implications for pharmaceutical research
This year's international animal welfare research prize was awarded to the world's leading expert in organoid research, Professor of Molecular Genetics Hans Clevers from the University of Utrecht. Dr. Ophelia Nick, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, enthusiastically explained that the scientist had “laid the foundations for organoid research”. The immunologist investigates the molecular mechanisms of tissue development and the formation and development of cancer in various organs.

Prof. Clevers during his lecture using highly acclaimed AI explanatory film sequences.
Image source: BMEL.

For this purpose, organoids are developed from human adult stem cells. The so-called Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in the research. Prof. Clevers is one of the leading researchers in this field and has been a candidate for the Nobel Prize for years. His move to the pharmaceutical company in 2022 marked a turning point in the commercialization of organoid technology: As head of pharmaceutical research and early development at the Swiss pharmaceutical giant ROCHE, he strongly promoted the use of these human-specific organ-like systems. ROCHE is the first pharmaceutical company in the world to want to use organoids extensively in research. Prof. Clevers is convinced that the technology has now reached a level at which it should be of interest for pharmaceutical research.

Good experimental planning with norecopa checklists
The international animal welfare award for social and civic commitment in the field of laboratory animals was awarded to Prof. Dr. Adrian Smith. He has managed the well-known internet platform norecopa for decades. Here, scientists can find all kinds of information on how to plan an animal experiment to a high standard.

Prof. Dr. Adrian Smith.
Image source: BMEL.

This includes researching whether the question can be answered using a method other than animal testing, for which for example the NORINA database is available. In addition to a wealth of information on non-animal alternatives, film and training materials can also be found on the norecopa platform. The PREPARE guidelines (Planning Research and Experimental Procedures on Animals: Recommendations for Excellence) are a highlight. In addition to a 2-page checklist, which has been translated into over 30 languages, PREPARE consists of a website with further advice on the subject of animal experiments.

Unfortunately, however, the second category was not awarded at all this year, namely for outstanding young researchers' achievements in replacing and reducing animal experiments. Due to inadequate communication about the fact that only certain institutions are entitled to nominate candidates and the resulting short application deadline, only two applications were received that did not meet the requirements. The prize money was withheld by the Ministry. 

Further information, e.g. in the form of a podcast on Deutschlandradio
https://www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de/