Lush Training Prize 2014

Background Paper

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper11

Executive Summary

The Lush Training Prize recognises outstanding achievements in education andtraining towards the replacement of animal testing with non-animal methods. As oneof five categories of award within the £250,000 annual Lush Prize which now enters
its third year, the Training Prize rewards the vital work of both individuals andorganisations in raising awareness across a wide range of audiences from school
children through college, university, postgraduate education and beyond. The prizealso considers training of scientists and stakeholders in acceptance and use of nonanimal methods. To date, the Lush Prize is pleased to have awarded four winners
from the UK, Italy and the USA a total of £100,000 from the Training Prize fund fortheir international efforts.

Outstanding projects and individuals shortlisted this year
For this year's Training Prize, nine outstanding organisations and individuals havebeen identified and shortlisted for their contribution to education and training in nonanimal methods as follows:
1. The Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) - for its International Outreach Program(IOP) and ongoing work with the Chinese authorities in acceptance of non-animal
test methods
2. Anna Maria Bassi - LARF - Dept. Experimental Medicine - University of Genova –for her work in education of fellow scientists and workshops in cell culture
techniques as well as outreach to universities
3. Andre Menache – for his continued work in educating university students andresearchers on non-animal methods as well as work on several animal ethics
committees across the EU and worldwide
4. The Alternatives- Italy- for continued efforts in education in human based
research to replace animal experiments
5. The Alexandra Association, Monaco – for their educational work on 'Open
Source' Tissue Engineering to replace animal testing, as well as educational
outreach in schools.
6. Dutch Society to Replace Animal Testing- for providing education in non-animal
methods to scientists and regulators

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

2

7. Prof. Ovanes Mekenyan, (Laboratory of Mathematical Chemistry, Bulgaria)- forhis ongoing work on the QSAR Toolbox
8. Doctors against Animal Experiments (DAAE) based in Germany, is a charitableorganisation of several hundred doctors and scientists who work in the medical
field. DAAE supports the immediate abolition of all animal experiments on ethicaland scientific grounds. In order to make the cruel and unscientific nature ofanimal experiments public, they provide information on animal experiments bothfor doctors and scientists, as well as for the general public, universities andschools
9. Africa Network for Animal Welfare- for their work in promoting alternatives toharmful use of animals in education

The key messages remain clear for the 2014 Training Prize cycle. While significant
progress is being made in raising awareness on non-animal research by dedicatedgroups and individuals, outside of this the interest in reaching a wider, mainstream
audience can still largely depend on the attitudes and acceptance by individual
researchers or teaching staff. That said, the environment for discussion of both the
ethical and scientific issues of animal testing is expanding on an ongoing basis.
Also, it is a change in attitudes to animal-free research methods, as well as
acceptance and training in their actual use which remains vitally important. The
Training Prize relates to funding and support for educational initiatives across a
broad scope of areas, incorporating not only education of children from a young age
through to university students and beyond, but training of teaching and lecturing staff
and also training of later career scientists and stakeholders in the acceptance anduse of non-animal methods.
These challenges also present the Lush Prize with opportunities to continue topromote the message in training and education on ending animal testing andreplacement with non-animal methods. A number of committed organisations
continues to push for change in this area. There is also a clear link between theTraining Prize and another award category, the Young Researcher Prize. This link isreflected in both research papers this year.

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper3

2

Methodology

In preparing this report, a number of resources, articles and information have beencollated and reviewed to establish an up to date picture of training and education in
non-animal methods for this year's prize.
Substantial research has been carried out for the Training Prize in 2012 and 2013.
The information in this paper is intended to build on previous years, providing
updates and new information on progress within this area on relevant organisations,useful tools, databases, other web resources and opportunities relevant to training
and education in non-animal methods. These updates are highlighted throughout the
paper for clarity.
As summarised in previous Training Prize research, the principles of the '3Rs' aredefined as follows:• Replacement refers to the preferred use of non-animal methods over animals• Reduction refers to methods minimise the number of animals used
• Refinement refers to methods that alleviate or minimize potential pain, suffering or
distress to the animals used
Therefore, Lush Prize considers only the final ‘R’ (replacement) to be a genuine
alternative as the other '2Rs' still involve animals. This also aligns with the LushPrize eligibility criteria which outline the ‘1R of replacement’ rather than refinement or
reduction. Whilst reduction or refinement methods are positive steps, they are notachievements. It is also important to explain further the term 'replacement' as this isopen to wide interpretation. For example, some would consider any method which
does not entail the use of live animals to be a replacement, even though it may still
use animal-derived cells or tissues, for which the animals have been purposely
killed.
The Training Prize therefore continues to use a 'replacement filter' for identifying andrewarding outstanding work, as only those organisations or individuals who focus on'replacement only' methods are considered directly eligible. However, for information
and reference, those which cover the wider definition of '3Rs' in training andeducation are still included.

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

4In compiling this report, a 2014 literature search was also performed to find new
publications and useful articles on aspects of training and education in non-animal
research released since the last Lush Training Prize cycle.
As the Training Prize maintains a broad scope in recognising efforts in education andtraining, this paper therefore includes information and updates on all aspects ofanimal use including dissection, use of animal tissues and replacement of live
animals in testing.
2.1

Previous Training Prize winners - 2012 and 2013

A brief update on the four previous Lush Training Prize winners is summarised
below;
2012
Interniche won a training prize in 2012 for their educational work in former Soviet
states, South America and Africa, including lectures and demonstrations onalternatives to teachers, students and universities.
The Institute for In-Vitro Sciences (IIVS) was awarded a 2012 prize for its vital
work in 'International Practical Training on Alternative methods' in several countries
including Brazil, Japan and China. The IIVS continues its highly successful'International Outreach Program' to train scientists in the adoption and use of nonanimal methods with ongoing focus on China. IIVS also meets regularly withregulators and industry to bridge the gap in faster approval and implementation ofguidelines and methods to replace animal testing.
2013
XcellR8, an exclusively in-vitro research company specialises in the support,
development and implementation of 'scientifically advanced and ethically soundalternatives to animal testing'. XcellR8 won a 2013 prize for their training
achievements in human cell culture technologies.
LARF (The Analysis and Research Laboratory of Pathophysiology) is a
specialist organisation based in Italy, focused on alternative models in toxicologicalassessment of chemicals. LARF was awarded a 2013 prize for its successful andvery popular training workshops on in-vitro methods of toxicity testing, to explore
cellular and molecular pathways of cellular damage, recovery, inflammation andcancer. LARF is also highly experienced in the supervision of students andorganisation of academic and professional training courses.

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

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3

Background Research and Updates for the 2014 Training PrizeAs shown clearly by previous Training Prize research, education and awareness in
non-animal methods needs to focus on attitudes to replacing animals in research as
much as the methods themselves, presenting non-animal technologies whereappropriate as simply the best, cutting edge science, rather than as an alternative toanimal testing, to avoid misperception that it is the gold standard that will always
require a 'like for like' alternative. While some areas of toxicity testing in animals
require replacement, others can simply end. A recent example is the removal of asingle dose toxicity test on animals from European Medicine Agency (EMA)
guidelines. 1
A broad scope of education and training is included in the prize, with one of its key
aims of targeting audiences as early as possible in the educational system, fromschoolchildren (when exposure and attitudes to dissection are critical, as this may
pave the way to a risk of desensitization and somewhat passive acceptance ofanimal testing later on) through college and sixth form/baccalaureate students
choosing their career options, to undergraduates, postgraduate study and beyond
into young scientist or early career research. Training can also apply to adoption anduse of non-animal methods by scientists and researchers at all stages of theircareers.
As highlighted by Interniche, a previous Lush Training Prize winner, there is a
'hidden curriculum' of animal testing2 which encourages an early attitude that use of,or harm to animals is not only necessary but acceptable. Examples include
dissection guidance information for schools on national curriculum websites.3
Another key issue highlighted in research for the Training Prize is a lack ofawareness and implementation of alternative methods where animals are routinely
used, because research staff may not be up to date on specific replacement
techniques. While '2Rs' (reduction or refinement) recommendations may be made atbest, a proactive attitude to finding and using wholly non-animal techniques islacking, as shown by systematic reviews of 3Rs implementation4 and investigative
reports of animal research establishments.5
1

EMA: Questions and answers on the withdrawal of the 'Note for guidance on single dose toxicity':http://
www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Scientific_guideline/2010/07/WC500094590.pdf

2Lush Prize 2013 http://www.lushprize.org/past-years/2013-prize/lush-prize-judges-2013/3

Looking at (dissecting) animal organs in primary schools: Health and safety aspects

4

Balcombe, J. et al. (2013) Prolonged pain research in mice: trends in reference to the 3Rs J Appl Anim
Welf Sci. 16(1):77-95 [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23282295]
5

The Brown Report [ http://brownreport.info/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/The-Brown-Report.pdf]

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

6This is still of great concern. While outstanding efforts are made on an ongoing basisby animal protection groups and research organisations devoted to non-animal
methods, training, education and general motivation for their use in the mainstream
continues to depend largely on the attitudes of individual staff.
This must be addressed by dissemination of appropriate information on how
alternative methods provide equal and in many cases superior information. Also, therealities of use of both live animals and/or animal tissues must be communicated,
what is carried out and why, as well as how methods of replacement or alternativetechniques e.g. human cell based methods or computer simulations) not only saveanimals from suffering, but are more reliable and faster, leading to more relevant
results in prediction of human safety. Lush Prize is very pleased to have received anumber of nominations from individuals and organisations who continue to work inthis field, to educate and inform attitudes on animal use, as well as how such use
can end, or be replaced. On a further positive note, with regard to hands on or 'one
to one' education and training, a researcher may be fortunate to work with asupervisor, senior colleague or project team also dedicated to research in nonanimal methods, as highlighted by a previous 2012 Lush prizewinner in the Young
Researcher category; 'I felt very lucky, my supervisor is hugely dedicated toreplacement, the work was interesting, I was learning a lot and the model wedeveloped was very promising'.6

3.1

Attitudes to use of non-animal methods

Given that in many circumstances, animal use continues due to conventional
opinion, inertia and resistance to change rather than any specific mandatory
requirements, there are significant opportunities to introduce change and encourage
an attitude of 'try this way instead, it's more scientific and saves animals'.
Furthermore, training that refers to the historical perspective of animal testing i.e.
'this is what's traditionally been done until now, but this is where we want to focus in
future' is a useful approach, supported by good examples of cutting edge, newtechnologies which are not only humane but more reliable, human-relevant and lesscostly, a major factor given that the 'per test' cost of an animal toxicity test is
estimated to be up to 372,000 Euros. 7 This is echoed in a previous interview for the2013 Training Prize with Dr. Marcel Leist, Dorenkamp-Zbinden Chair at the
University of Konstanz who agrees that there is an increase in motivation for
6
72012 Young Researcher Prize winner Liz Woehrling
Bottini, A. and Hartung, T. (2009) Food for Thought..On the Economics of Animal Testing. ALTEX 26 1/09
[http://www.altex.ch/resources/ALTEX_1_09_fft_economics_hartung_bottini_.PDF]

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

7development of non-animal methods, not necessarily for ethical reasons but because
scientifically and financially, they make much more sense as 'people are realisingthat these methods are also a way to save money, time or get better data and to get
more reproducible data'.8
Attitudes to animal testing and a shift towards both acceptance and development of
replacements to non-animal methods (and to some extent, the other '2Rs') havedeveloped as a result of the bans on animal tested cosmetics included in the EU
Cosmetics Regulation, which came into force in July 2013. In a recent report toaddress the issues faced by the cosmetics industry a year into the Regulation, 9
14% of respondents from industry considered 'alternatives to animal testing' as theirbiggest challenge. Whether this refers to a perceived lack of alternative methods, ora lack of awareness, guidelines or training on their use is not available from thesurvey results, however it still means that there is an ever increasing need for bothresearch and training in safety testing without the use of animals.

3.2

Supply and Demand – a need for 'Hands On' training in Non-Animal Methods

A finding from previous Lush Training Prize research is that, while a number of online
resources are freely available, there is still a lack of important 'hands on' training in
non-animal methods. This is because those relatively few dedicated organisations
involved are often working at 'saturation point' in terms of time, resources andfunding available.
In relation to this issue, two key achievements include the operation of workshops by
2013 Training Prize winner LARF (The Analysis and Research Laboratory of
Pathophysiology) which were sponsored by ZET (The Centre for Alternatives andComplementary Methods to Animal Testing)10 and Across Barriers 11 to achieve asubsidised cost of 60 Euros for two days. This is an initiative that other industry
groups could be approached to fund, to combine the expertise and training
knowledge of those who campaign and educate in this area, with the financial
backing of companies who will benefit from providing affordable training of theirresearch staff in not only more humane, but faster, cheaper and reliable methods.
Similarly, the appointment by previous prize nominee the ALEXANDRA Project of a8

Lush Training Prize 2013 – Background Paper

9

EU Cosmetics Regulation one year on: How is industry coping? [http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/
Market-Trends/EU-cosmetics-Regulation-one-year-on-How-is-industry-coping

10

ZET- Centre for Alternative and Complemetary Methods :http://www.zet.or.at/

11

Across Barriers:http://www.acrossbarriers.de/en/

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

8fundraiser has been vital to raise money for their outreach and education work inschools.
It remains clear in the 2014 Lush Prize cycle that the scientific expertise is available
to provide more courses, training workshops, academic programmes andeducational talks on all aspects of modern, human-relevant science. Where
necessary, this expertise can be applied to encourage a shift away from use ofanimals towards better methods, but in many cases, especially earlier in the
education system, a fresh approach to humane science using cutting edge
technologies can simply be presented as the way forward, to stimulate thinking andresearch ideas, so that by the time a young student or researcher reaches a morecritical decision path in their scientific education, using animals would not even beconsidered.
It is clear from previous interviews with nominees and prizewinners who are experts
in this field, that there is a continued need for funding to match the educational
expertise available. There is also a requirement for direct and sustained
communication to university departments, heads of research teams, schools andcolleges to establish dialogue and a transparent approach. Again, the potential forfurther funding and sponsorship would allow industry to directly benefit from theexpertise that they are paying for, in training the next generation of young scientists,
perhaps linking to internship or graduate placements.
Encouragingly, the in-vitro toxicity testing market is undergoing rapid growth and ispredicted to be worth over $17,000 million in the next four years 12 driven by both thecosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. This is encouraging and reflected in thefact that the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS), another former Lush prizewinnerand nominee has seen demand for its training courses increase dramatically. Thiswas highlighted in last year's Training Prize paper and since then, the IIVS hascontinued to run it's highly successful Technical and Training workshops, as well as
free webinars on the latest technologies.13 The IIVS sees education and the sharingof free information as vital to its mission to develop and drive regulatory acceptanceof humane scientific testing tools to replace animal testing .The IIVS has madesignificant progress in China on this issue, most recently at the end of 2013 when aMemorandum of Understanding was signed with the National Institute for Food andDrug Control (NIFDC), a subordinate agency of the China Food and Drug
Administration (CFDA). The two organizations will work collaboratively on a numberof projects focused on cosmetic safety testing designed to promote in vitro (non12
13

In-Vitro Toxicology Testing Market worth $17,227 million by 2018: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1828520
The IIVS Education Workshops:http://www.iivs.org/education/

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

9animal) techniques in China.14 The IIVS has also successfully trained Chinesescientists in starting to use non-animal safety testing methods for cosmetics, madepossible by funding from both HSI and PETA.
The growth in need for in vitro methods is highlighted by another major project –TOX-21, a major project using robotics technology to screen thousands of chemicals
for potential toxicity, using the screening data acquired to predict the potential toxicity
of chemicals and developing a cost-effective approach for prioritizing the thousandsof chemicals that need toxicity testing. 15 Aside from putting an end to animal
suffering, large scale, 'high-throughput' projects such as TOX-21 foster the view that
this is modern, innovative toxicology at its best.

3.3
Training in non-animal methods is still needed in the EU as a result of newlegislation
An important point raised by the IIVS is that despite progress and legislation being
more focussed towards replacement of animal tests (for example the EU cosmetic
testing bans now in place and REACH testing in full flow) training is still urgently
needed and must be encouraged in the EU and beyond. 'Hands on' experience withnew methods is vital according to the IIVS, 16 as information on a new method itself
may not be enough for personnel to start using it straight away, as extra guidance
may be needed. This is particularly critical with major chemicals testing legislationsuch as REACH, where an estimated 13 million animals could still suffer in tests until
the final 2018 deadline. 17
In 2014, this continues to be the case, reflected in workshops and training courses
offered on an ongoing basis, for example the 'Practical Training Course on
Alternative Methods: Skin and Eye In Vitro Toxicity 'which will be offered at theforthcoming 9th World Congress on Alternatives to Animal Use in Prague.18

14

China FDA Signs MOU with US Laboratory to Promote Non-Animal Testing Methods in China :http://
www.iivs.org/news-events/press-releases/china-fda-signs-mou-with-us-laboratory-to-promote-non-animal-testingmethods-in-china/
15
16

TOX-21: http://www.epa.gov/ncct/Tox21/
Lush Training Prize 2013- Background Paper

17

BUAV: We have until 2018 to stop 13 million animals being poisoned and killed [http://www.buav.org/ourcampaigns/reach]
18

WC9 Practical training course: Skin and Eye In Vitro Toxicity [http://altweb.jhsph.edu/news/2012/
wc9_training.html]

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

10In other aspects of training, the Alexandra Association highlighted the 'cross-border'
issues of validation, using the example that methods cannot be imported from
France or the US into Brazil easily, resulting in a need to not only train scientists, but
training to recreate the methods or models required too.19
A May 2014 publication by ALTEX on a recent discussion by the IVTIP (In Vitro
Testing Industrial Platform) highlighted the successes and challenges of methods
which replace animals and concluded that ' Education will be crucial to achieving
change. Young scientists in universities and even in schools need to be aware ofanimal use and inspired to explore alternative methods'20.
On the technical issues of training, important points have been raised previously by
CAAT, FRAME and HSI which remain in the 2014 Lush Prize cycle, in that clear
distinction should be made between training and education of researchers andstudents i.e. changing attitudes and removing barriers in moving away from animaluse (which links to some extent to lobbying) versus 'end-user' training in accepted,
validated methods of toxicity testing. The issue of training users before an actual
validation study begins is also considered very important, as it could severely impact
on the validation success of the test itself, if those who tried to use the method did
not have the necessary skills or competence required to use it. 21

3.4
The Global Situation- education in non-animal methods outside the EU in
2014
Major campaigns by organisations including PETA, Humane Society International,
Cruelty Free International and the IIVS have all seen huge success in engaging with
the Chinese authorities to change attitudes and encourage acceptance of nonanimal methods of safety testing, with China now using such methods for the firsttime and requiring further training for researchers and students.22 PETA has also
campaigned continuously to achieve victory in India on acceptance of non-animal

19
20

21
22

Lush Training Prize 2013- Background Paper
Ashton, R. et al. (2014) State of the Art on Alternative Methods to Animal Testing from an Industrial Point ofView: Ready for Regulation? ALTEX 31: 3/14 [http://www.altex.ch/resources/
altex_2014_3_357_363_Ashton.pdf]
Lush Training Prize 2012- Research Paper
Interest grows in animal testing alternatives [http://sinosphere.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/02/interest-growsin-animal-testing-alternatives/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=1]

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

11methods and securing bans on animal testing for cosmetics and householdproducts.23

3.5

Animal use in education

With regard to both live animal use and dissection in earlier stage education,
guidelines vary across different countries in schools and colleges. For example, in
the USA, NEAVS highlights that an estimated 20 million animals are used in all areasof education each year.24
This is where campaign groups continue to make a real difference in directly saving
animals, by educating schools and universities in alternatives. For example,
collaboration between Doctors Against Animal Experiments (DAAE), People forAnimal Rights Germany and Interniche saw a very successful campaign firstlaunched in 2006, visiting universities across Eastern Europe to educate and provide
alternative teaching software materials to replace the use of animals. Their work
directly changed the attitudes and experimental practices of the establishments they
visited, resulting in up to 5,400 animals per year being saved. The campaign has
seen continued success into 2013 with more university departments across Eastern
Europe pledging to end all animal use in education and switching to the alternative
teaching methods provided by DAAE instead. 25
Under the UK law for animal experiments (Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act orASPA) the use of live animals in primary and secondary schools is prohibited,
however the guidance on ASPA states that 'applications for higher education or for
training to acquire, maintain or improve vocational skills' may be considered 26
This relates only to the use of live animals and there is no prohibition on the use ofdead animals or tissues for dissection, which largely depends on whether teaching
staff choose to include it in their curriculum. However, research for last year's Young
Researcher Prize made some encouraging findings which link into education andtraining. For example, the research found that UK school curriculums contained
Victory: India ends all Animal Testing for Cosmetics following PETA India campaign: http://
www.peta.org/media/news-releases/victory-india-ends-animal-testing-cosmetics-following-peta-indiacampaign/
23

24

NEAVS : Education overview http://www.neavs.org/education/overview

25

Doctors Against Animal Experiments: Further Successes in Ukraine [http://www.aerzte-gegentierversuche.de/en/projects/eastern-europe/277-further-successes-in-ukraine]

26

Guidance on the operation of ASPA [https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/
attachment_data/file/291350/Guidance_on_the_Operation_of_ASPA.pdf]

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

12alternatives to dissection, as well as consideration that some students may not be
comfortable with dissection or use of materials of animal origin (e.g. blood or tissue)
and finally, although dissection was suggested in many cases, it was not mandatory
and left open to teaching staff to decide what to do27. Unfortunately, it was notpossible to obtain similar information at university level as although a number ofuniversities were contacted, none replied, the reasons for which are unknown but
could relate to staffing absence or resources devoted to admissions over thesummer period. To address the need for this information and as part of the LushPrize communications strategy going forward, academic institutions will be contacted
again on an ongoing basis, to obtain up to date information on use of animals andtheir tissues on all relevant science courses, to inform future research papers.
Similarly on a worldwide scale, the use of animals in educational research continues
with both confusion and inconsistency and is open to interpretation. This is also
evident in the comprehensive information provided in nominations that the LushPrize receives. For example, a 2014 publication on the use of animals inexperiments at medical colleges in India states that 'The dilemma to continue animal
experiments in education and research continues with varied and confusing
guidelines' and that 'animal use and their handling vary in each laboratory andeducational institution' . 28 However, more encouragingly the researchers also statethat 'The use of live animal experiments is decreasing in many medical colleges
across India. These are gradually being replaced by certain alternatives that areavailable at relatively low cost and with proven educational efficacy'.
Animal rights progress in education is also being made in Australia. At the Universityof Adelaide for example, a policy has been implemented which considers theconscientious objection of students to the use of animals in veterinary medicine
education.29 Student groups are also active in voicing objection to animal research ingenerally for research and educational purposes. For example, the Canadian based
Queens Animal Defence is a student and non-student advocacy group which
promotes information on alternatives to animal use in education and also campaigns
on other animal rights issues. 30

27

Lush Young Researcher Prize 2013- Background Paper

28

Badyal, D. and Desai, C. (2014) Animal Use in pharmacology education and research: the changing scenario.
Indian J Pharmacol. 2014 May-Jun; 46(3): 257–265.[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4071700/]

29

A Policy at the University of Adelaide for Student Objections to the Use of Animals in Teaching [http://
utpjournals.metapress.com/content/c756j1v4pj800873/?genre=article&id=doi%3A10.3138%2Fjvme.
0411.045R1]

30

Queen's Animal Defence [http://queensanimaldefence.org/about-us/]

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

13

3.6

Education and Training in replacing animals in veterinary testing

According to the latest figures,31 almost 340,000 animals are used annually in the
EU in the production or quality control of veterinary medicines, with a further
unknown number included in over 3 million animals used for research or toxicity
testing for 'human medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine'. Veterinary research isfrequently presented simply as 'animal research for the benefit of animals' which
conceals the fact that a significant proportion of the animals used are deliberately
made sick, experimentally infected with disease or subjected to invasive procedures
funded by external bodies (for example the racing or betting industries supporting
invasive fertility studies in horses32). In many cases, the animals being used are noteven the species a new treatment is being developed for (e.g. mice used to test
vaccines intended for cattle 33
This is clearly anything but beneficial to the animals used and in conflict with theaims of genuine veterinary care for the protection and wellbeing of all animals,causing a moral dilemma for many veterinary students. PETA India confirms that it
frequently receives requests for help from distressed students who have witnessed
the suffering of cattle slaughtered in their training classes and is now taking action
with the Veterinary Council of India to require training methods that don't involve
harming or killing animals.34
Interniche have previously highlighted how use of ethically sourced animal tissues
from veterinary surgery, routine procedures or post mortem, as well as use of in-vitro
testing, computer simulations and other models saves many animals from
unnecessary use in veterinary research. 35Similarly, maximising the information
obtained from animals presented at veterinary clinics requiring treatment helps not
only the patients, but other animals in future.

31

Seventh Report on the Statistics on the Number of Animals used for Experimental and other ScientificPurposes in the Member States of the European Union (2011)[http://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?
uri=cellar:d2e73ac5-60d0-11e3-ab0f-01aa75ed71a1.0001.01/DOC_1&format=PDF]
32

Schauer, S. et al. (2011) Supplementation of equine early spring transitional follicles with luteinizing
hormone stimulates follicle growth but does not restore steroidogenic activity. Theriogenology 75:1076–1084.
33

Bannantine, J. et al. (2014) Evaluation of eight live attenuated vaccine candidates for protection against
challenge with virulent Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol.
1;4:8834

PETA Holds National Workshop With Mafsu To Promote Humane Teaching Methods For Veterinary Students;
Veterinary Council Of India President A Keynote Speaker[ http://www.petaindia.com/media/news-releases/
peta-holds-national-workshop-mafsu-promote-humane-teaching-methods-veterinary-students-veterinarycouncil-india-president-keynote-speaker/]

35

InterNICHE:What do you think animal experiments teach you? [http://www.petaindia.com/media/newsreleases/peta-holds-national-workshop-mafsu-promote-humane-teaching-methods-veterinary-studentsveterinary-council-india-president-keynote-speaker/]

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

14

3.7

One person can make a difference

There are some encouraging examples of where persistence on a personal levelwithin education can enforce recognisable change. In a recently published article on
conscientious objection in students,36 Andrew Knight highlights the case of a
University of Colorado vet student who, twenty years ago refused to lethally inject a
dog as her course content required. The university failed her and she sued as aresult, winning the case and graduating successfully (despite having to repeat astudy module at a more ethical institution). Another major success of this case wasthat the court ruled that the university must entirely replace such cruel andunnecessary procedures with humane alternatives for use by future students.
This year's Lush Prize is also very pleased to receive nominations from students andresearchers who have conscientiously objected to animal use in their education andtraining.

36

Knight, A. (2014) Conscientious Objection to Harmful Animal Use within Veterinary and Other Biomedical
Education. Animals 4(1), 16-34;[http://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/4/1/16]

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper15

4Conclusions and Recommendations

Outstanding projects and individuals shortlisted this year
For this year's Training Prize, nine outstanding organisations and individuals havebeen identified and shortlisted for their contribution to education and training in nonanimal methods as follows:• The Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) - for its International Outreach Program(IOP) and ongoing work with the Chinese authorities in acceptance of non-animal
test methods• Anna Maria Bassi - LARF - Dept. Experimental Medicine - University of Genova –for her work in education of fellow scientists and workshops in cell culture
techniques as well as outreach to universities• Andre Menache – for his continued work in educating university students andresearchers on non-animal methods as well as work on several animal ethics
committees across the EU and worldwide• The Alternatives- Italy- for continued efforts in education in human based research
to replace animal experiments• The Alexandra Association, Monaco – for their educational work on 'Open Source'
Tissue Engineering to replace animal testing, as well as educational outreach inschools.

• Dutch Society to Replace Animal Testing- for providing education in non-animal
methods to scientists and regulators• Prof. Ovanes Mekenyan, (Laboratory of Mathematical Chemistry, Bulgaria)- for his
ongoing work on the QSAR Toolbox• Doctors against Animal Experiments (DAAE) based in Germany, is a charitableorganisation of several hundred doctors and scientists who work in the medical
field. DAAE supports the immediate abolition of all animal experiments on ethicaland scientific grounds. In order to make the cruel and unscientific nature of animal
experiments public, they provide information on animal experiments both for
doctors and scientists, as well as for the general public, universities and schools• Africa Network for Animal Welfare - for their work in promoting alternatives toharmful use of animals in education

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

165Conclusion

The key messages remain clear for the 2014 prize cycle. While significant progress
is being made in raising awareness on non-animal research, by dedicated groups
and individuals, outside of this the interest in reaching a wider mainstream young
audience can still largely depend on the attitudes and acceptance by individual
researchers or teaching staff, indicating a 'bottom up' rather than 'top down'
approach. That said, the environment for discussion of both the ethical and scientificissues on animal testing is expanding on an ongoing basis.
Also, it is a change in attitudes to animal-free research methods, as well as
acceptance and training in their actual use which remains vitally important. The
Training Prize relates to funding and support for educational initiatives across a
broad scope of areas. The term 'training' itself continues to carry a wide definition forthe purposes of the Lush Prize, referring not only to education and training from ayoung age through to university students and beyond, but training of teaching andlecturing staff and also later career scientists and stakeholders in the acceptanceand use of non-animal methods. An important distinction is also made in thetechnical 'end-user' training of scientists in the use of validated and approved nonanimal methods of safety testing.
There is a continuing need for supply to match demand in education and training on
non-animal research. The good news is that there is an increasing worldwide
requirement for educational initiatives in this specific area, but it continues to be achallenge to provide resources to meet those requirements, mainly in terms of cost.
Those individuals and organisations already dedicated to non-animal methods are
stretched and relatively few in number. A way to address this issue would be toincrease interest and motivation within academia and industry to take on training andeducation responsibilities in their own research environments, by using the wide
variety of resources available.
These challenges also present the Lush Prize with opportunities to continue topromote the message in training and education on ending animal testing andreplacement with non-animal methods .A number of committed organisations andindividuals continue to push for change in this area. There is also a clear link
between the Training Prize and another award category, the Young Researcher
Prize. This link is reflected in both research papers this year.

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

17

6

Data Section

6.1

international organisations and initiatives identified in this area

A number of organisations have been identified previously and can be reviewed infull in the 2012 and 2013 Training Prize papers. Some of those groups have been
included again here, with specific 2014 updates on activity for this Lush Prize cycle,
as well as several new groups identified for their commitment to education andtraining in non-animal methods. Key campaign groups which continue to provide
useful and relevant information are also listed. As outlined above, given the link
between the Training and Young Researcher Prize categories, review oforganisations listed in both papers is recommended.

Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW)
http://www.anaw.org/
Established in 2006 and based in Kenya, the ANAW has committed itself tospearheading a number of animal welfare of campaigns while building networks withgovernments, political leaders, media and other institutions to press for effective
policy and legislation changes and for the protection and care for animals at nationaland community level. ANAW partners with international bodies and institutions ofhigher learning to promote use of alternatives to lab animals.

The Alexandra Association, Monaco
http://www.alexandra-project.org
The Alexandra Association aims to develop and promote alternative methods toanimal research for both scientific and ethical purposes in both toxicity testing andmedical research. The founders of the association are experts in scientific researchand technical innovation .The organisation is a previous Lush Prize nominee
recognised for ongoing efforts in education and training in alternative methods,
including 'OpenSource' 3D Tissue Engineering in human tissue reconstruction andcell culture.

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

18

AltTox (Non-Animal Methods for Toxicity Testing)
http://www.alttox.org/
AltTox is a vital resource for anyone interested in animal free science from a
research or training perspective. Alttox provides various levels of useful information,from basic descriptions of toxicity tests, up to date information on alternatives andnewsletters through to various tools and databases as well as information on
forthcoming courses and events.

The Alternatives Research & Development Foundation (ARDF)
http://www.ardf-online.org/
Established in 1993, The ARDF based in the USA awards research funds that
support the development, validation, and/or adoption of non-animal methods inbiomedical research, product testing, and education. ARDF aims to bring‘alternatives technology and compassion to modern laboratories and classrooms’.

Animal Aid
www.animalaid.org.uk
Animal Aid is one of the UK's most experienced and long-established animal rights
organisations,campaigning for animals on a number of issues, including an end toanimal testing. The education department at Animal Aid provides a school speakertraining service whose speakers are available to present and train volunteers on
animal testing. They can also provide educational materials for both teachers andpupils on request.

Animal Ethics Infolink
http://www.animalethics.org.au/education-and-training/alternatives-to-animal-use
Animal Ethics Infolink is an Australian based online resource. While focus is broadly
across the 3Rs, the site provides useful information on training and educationmaterials in the replacement of animal testing

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

19Animalearn
http://www.animalearn.org
Animalearn, based in the USA and a division of the American Anti-Viviisection
Society (AAVS) continues to promote it's highly useful 'Science Bank' foralternatives to animal use in education. The tool is an easy to use 'drop down' searchfacility on the Animalearn website, to find resources by education level (from earlyschool stages through to medical training), type of animal or type of alternative (e.g.
video, computer simulation, models and more). Animalearn also rewards students
and schoolchildren for their achievements in educating others on the choice to object
to dissection or question teaching curriculums which contain animal use.

BUAV (British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection)
http://www.buav.org
The BUAV is one of the UK's leading campaigning organisations on animal testingwith succesful undercover investigations exposing the hidden animal suffering inlaboratories. The BUAV provides a ‘Schools’ guide also aimed at students, to raiseawareness and provide a truthful insight into the realities of animal testing. They also
produce a number of science reports providing further information

CAAT- Centre for Alternatives to Animal Testing – John Hopkins University
The CAAT is based in Maryland, USA .As well as its US site it has European
Headquarters at the University of Konstanz in Germany and operates Altweb, a
website dedicated to the 3Rs and dissemination of information on humane science toresearchers, students and educational staff. CAAT continues to provide workshops
and educational materials in alternative methods. In 2013/2014 CAAT has provided
the following courses and events;▪ In-Vitro Medical Device Testing▪ Green Toxicology Information Day▪ Functional Non-animal Biobarrier Models in
Research and Risk Assessment▪ DNT4 (Alternatives in Developmental Neurotoxicity
Testing)
and a forthcoming workshop in Nov 2014;
Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

20▪ Emergence of Systematic Review and Related
Approaches in Toxicology -an EBTC Workshop
DAAE (Doctors Against Animal Experiments)
http://www.aerzte-gegen-tierversuche.de
DAAE, based in Germany, is a charitable organisation of several hundred doctors
and scientists who work in the medical field. DAAE supports the immediate abolitionof all animal experiments on ethical and scientific grounds. In order to make the crueland unscientific nature of animal experiments public, they provide scientifically based
information on animal experiments both for doctors and scientists, as well as for thegeneral public. DAAE manage and update their own database to inform the public
about the reality of animal experiments 37 as well as a database on in-vitro methods.

The Dr. Hadwen Trust (DHT)
http://www.drhadwentrust.org
The Dr Hadwen Trust (DHT) is the UK’s leading non-animal medical researchcharity and a previous Lush Prize nominee, as well as funding a variety of research
projects on an ongoing basis. DHT has awarded seven ‘Summer Studentships’ in2014 to young researchers to enable them to continue their work in replacements toanimal testing over the summer period. This year’s projects support a variety of new
methods into disease including Parkinson’s disease, cancer and diabetes. The DHT
launched the Summer Studentship scheme in 2012, to assist undergraduate
students in gaining practical, laboratory-based experience in research methods toreplace animals. Funding is offered for a period of up to eight weeks and includes abudget for research consumables. Additionally, in 2014 the DHT is looking for a
student (aged 18+) to take up a free bursary place to attend and represent the DHTat the British Science Festival from 6-11 September in Birmingham 38

DsRAT - Dutch Society for the Replacement of Animal Testing
http://www.proefdiervrij.nl/

37
38

http://www.datenbank-tierversuche.de/
Would you like to be the DHT’s Geek4aWeek? [http://www.drhadwentrust.org/latest-news/news-and-views/
post/254-would-you-like-to-be-the-dhtas-geek4aweek]

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

21

DsRAT supports scientists, entrepreneurs and the government in the development ofthese new techniques by providing educational materials, engaging in collaborations
and initiating discussions about animal free solutions to ensure the future
replacement of animal testing.

European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE)
http://www.eceae.org
The European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE) was formed in 1990 byorganisations across Europe to successfully campaign to ban cosmetics testing on
animals. Today the ECEAE campaigns on all animal testing issues in Europe,bringing together extensive expertise, experience and knowledge from major
European animal protection organisations, working with politicians and scientists toensure that animals in laboratories are high on the European political agenda.

European Partnership for Alternatives to Animals Approaches
http://www.epaa.org
The EPAA is a collaboration between the European Commission, European tradeassociations, and industry who are 'are committed to pooling knowledge andresources to accelerate the development, validation and acceptance of alternative
approaches to further the replacement, reduction and refinement (3Rs) of animal use
in regulatory testing'. (It must be noted for Lush Prize purposes that the 3Rs remit of
the EPAA is particularly broad in that, whilst 1R/replacements are highlighted, otherinitiatives for example include awards to laboratory animal staff.)

ESTIV (European Society of Toxicology In-Vitro)
http://www.estiv.org
ESTIV promotes in-vitro methods both scientifically and educationally acrossEurope. ESTIV held it's 2014 congress in the Netherlands with a theme of 'Making
Sense of In-Vitro Methods' . Topics covered this year included long term toxicity
prediction using computer models and integrated, non-animal testing strategies inskin sensitisation. 39 ESTIV is also offering a training course in January 2015 in39

http://www.estiv2014.org/files/Programme.pdf

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

22

Lisbon entitled ' Applied In-Vitro Toxicology Course' and welcomes young scientists.
40 ESTIV is sponsored by a number of major chemical and pharmaceuticalcompanies, most recently Roche.

EURL-ECVAM (The European Union Reference Laboratory for Alternatives toAnimal Testing)
http://ihcp.jrc.ec.europa.eu/our_labs/eurl-ecvam

In June 2014, EURL-ECVAM released its 'Updated list of alternative test methods'
submitted to the organisation for validation and acceptance as alternative methods toanimal testing since 2008. EURL-ECVAM continues to organise a variety ofworkshops, courses and publish formal recommendations, as well as international
outreach projects, most recently hosting a visit by the Korean Research and Testing
Institute (KRT) to allow the KRT to gain insight into EURL ECVAM's approach
towards the development, validation and international recognition of alternative
methods to animal testing and to discuss best practices and main challenges withrespect to their scientific evaluation. EURL-ECVAM also manages and updates two
main databases, DB-ALM (Database for Alternative Methods) and TSAR (Tracking
System on Alternative Methods) which are listed separately in this Appendix.

EUSAAT- the European Society for Alternatives to Animal Testing
http://www.eusaat.org
EUSAAT has been documented in previous Lush Prize research. The EUSAAT
website was recently updated in 2014, to better serve all interested in alternatives toanimal testing. One of EUSAAT's key aims is 'promotion of the use of non-animal
tests in the area of education'
In Feb 2014, EUSAAT participated in the ' 10th International Conference andWorkshop on Biological Barriers (10th ICWBB) 'presenting on human based in-vitro
studies for the testing and marketing of pharmaceutical products.

The Human Toxicology Project Consortium (HTPC)
http://www.humantoxicologyproject.org
40 http://www.estiv.org/docs/ESTIV_Training_InVitroTox.pdf?set=a.

512417912102502.122630.422812001063094&type=1&l=27051111e7

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

23

The HTPC is a major collaboration to advance a new paradigm in toxicity testing andpathway based approaches to chemical safety assessment. The HTPC has beenvery active during the 2014 Lush Prize cycle, co-sponsoring (with the IIVS and HSI)
groundbreaking training programmes for Chinese researchers in non-animal
methods for cosmetics testing. HTPC also provide a number of useful information
resources including videos on new technologies, such as high throughput drug
screening and the 'Virtual Liver'. The consortium also communicates forthcoming
events and training courses on it's website.

Humane Society International (HSI)
http://www.hsi.org
The HSI ' Be Cruelty Free Camapign' has been particularly successful throughout
2013- 2014, engaging with stakeholders in China to progress towards phasing out
mandatory animal testing for cosmetics. HSI, along with it's sister organisation the
HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) and The Human Toxicology Project
Consortium, recently awarded an $80,000 grant to the Institute for In Vitro
Sciences(IIVS) to provide vitally needed, hands-on training in non-animal tests to
China’s government regulators and scientists.

The Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS)
http://www.iivs.org
The IIVS, a former Lush prizewinner and nominee continues its outstanding efforts
to disseminate free information via webinars and 'free to register' events and for its
ongoing work with Chinese authorities in the education, training and adoption of
non-animal methods to replace animal testing. The IIVS also continues to provide it'smuch needed 'Practical Methods in In Vitro Toxicology ' annual training courses.

INTERNICHE (International Network for Humane Education)
http:/www.interniche.org
A previous Lush Training Prize winner, Interniche produce a variety of educational
materials relevant to study of human medicine, veterinary research and the life
sciences and has led international efforts to implement the use of humane,alternative methods and teaching materials in education across a number ofLush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

24countries. In October 2013, Interniche co-hosted LATINFARMA 2013, a symposium
held in Brazil focused on 3Rs Alternatives in Pharmacology, Toxicology andTeaching.

The Innovative Methods and Alternatives to Animal Research Unit, Australia
The Innovative Methods and Alternatives to Animal Research Unit based at the John
Curtin Medical School at Australian National University 41 supports researchers in'innovative methods to entirely replace the need for an animal model, or the
replacement of an animal product in an assay or procedure (e.g. animal derived
antibodies for immunoassay).' The Unit collaborates with a number of otheracademic centres in Australia including the University of Sydney, specifically on a
project involving animal free cell culture methods for malaria and vascular pathology
and Wollongong University's initiative to ' Replace Animals in Australian Testing' 42
which aims to 'create a network of researchers and other individuals or groupsinterested in advocating non-animal based research and in strengthening theAustralian Government/NHMRC guidelines and their enforcement’.

Joint Research Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (JRC)
https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/institutes/ihcp
The JRC 'Science Hub' collates a variety of information and forthcoming training
courses and events. In June 2014, the JRC launched an online tool to identify
chemicals useful for the development and validation of alternative methods to animal
testing. CheLIST 43 is the first world-wide attempt to compile a cross-referenceable"list of substances lists"; its uniqueness consists of the combination of both
regulatory and scientific areas, and its openness to integrate new lists to beconsidered in the database. For specific scientific, industrial or regulatory purposeschemicals are grouped and included in various lists. The fact that a given chemical isincluded in a specific list reveals many details about its properties. Easy access tosuch information, which is typically scattered across numerous databases, project
websites and peer-reviewed literature, should facilitate the work of researchers
looking for the right reference chemicals to develop, characterise or validate tests asalternatives to animal-based testing.
41

42
43

http://jcsmr.anu.edu.au/research/research-facilities/innovative-methods-and-alternatives-animal-research-unit
http://lha.uow.edu.au/hsi/research/raat/index.html
http://chelist.jrc.ec.europa.eu/

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

25

Laboratory of Mathematical Chemistry (LMC)
http://oasis-lmc.org/products/software/toolbox/training.aspx
The LMC are the developers of the QSAR (Quantitative Structure Activity
Relationship) toolbox (further information on the toolbox is provided in the databasesection of this paper). Throughout 2013 -2014 the organisation has continued tooffer training on site (on demand), as well as regular annual training courses,
organised in co-operation with REACH Monitor. 44

LARF (The Analysis and Research Laboratory of Pathophysiology)
http://www.larf.unige.it
LARF, headed by Dr. Anna Maria Bassi was a winner of the 2013 Training Prize .
LARF continues to devote it's expertise to in-vitro, alternative methods of research
including human cell cultures, 3D organ toxicity and investigation of mechanisms ofcellular injury in disease e.g. cancer. LARF continues to organise training courses inalternative methods throughout 2013-2014 to young scientists as the organisation
firmly believes in the dissemination of knowledge and data sharing.

Mahatma Gandhi-Doerenkamp Center (MGDC)
http://www.mgdcaua.org/
The MGDC has remained active during 2013-2014 in it's aim of educating the Indianscientific community on alternative methods to animal testing. While the MGDC
works to a broader '3Rs' scope rather than solely on replacement methods, training
workshops held during the last year include ' Handling of reconstructed 3D tissue
models'.

National Anti Vivisection Society (NAVS) USA
http://www.navs.org
NAVS USA continues it's campaign for compassionate science and education
without animal use, providing educational materials and scientific information on
alternative methods. In May 2014, its educational exhibition began at the National44

http://www.reachmonitor.com/index.php?lang=2&aptd=4&id=38

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

26

Museum of Animals & Society in Los Angeles entitled ' Light in Dark Places: AntiVivisection from the Victorian Era to Modern Day,” 45 and is the first such exhibit tofocus on the movement’s long history in the United States and around the world. The
exhibit was made possible through the participation of the American Anti-Vivisection
Society, the Beagle Freedom Project, the National Anti-Vivisection Society, the New
England Anti-Vivisection Society, Stop Animal Exploitation Now, PETA, thePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, the Ernest Bell Memorial Library
and White Coat Waste.

National Anti Vivisection Society UK
http://www.navs.org.uk
NAVS UK continues to promote research projects via the Lord Dowding Fund.
Projects have included alternatives to the use of animals in education and funding forteaching of humane alternatives to university students.

The NC3Rs
http://www.nc3rs.org.uk
The NC3Rs is included as an information source. As previously described, this isunder the broader '3Rs' category rather than the 'replacement only' focus of the LushPrize. In 2012-2013 the NC3Rs awarded just over £7 million46 in funding to projects
considered under their '3Rs' (reduction, refinement, replacement) criteria.

NEAVS (New England Anti Vivisection Society)http://www.neavs.org
In 2014, NEAVS awarded it's Fellowship Grant for Alternatives to Animal Researchfor postdoctoral research into vitally needed animal replacements in skin allergentesting. The project is based on development of a human cell based microchip toaccurately predict allergy responses where animal tests continue to fall short. As partof it's 'Ethical Science Education Campaign', NEAVS also continues to provide a45

http://www.navs.org/pages/news/anti-vivisection-history-exhibit-inspires-and-educates46

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2014-03-11a.188641.h&s=caroline+lucas

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

27

number of educational outreach materials for schools and colleges, including posters
and brochures on animal testing and alternative methods.

Netherlands Knowledge Centre on Alternatives to Animal Use (NKCA)
http://www.nkca.nl
The NKCA promotes the application of the 3Rs in the Netherlands. The Centre is acollaboration between the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health) and the
University of Utrecht since 2010 and offers ‘animal testing alternatives’ modules aspart of postgraduate training for professionals. NKCA also advises teachers on the
animal-free testing models available for secondary schools, and recommends
animal-testing alternatives as a potential subject for student projects.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
http://www.peta.org
PETA continues as one of the world's major animal rights organisations campaigningagainst animal testing, among many other issues. Most recently and as highlighted
in previous Lush Prize papers, PETA has directly funded Chinese scientists intraining in non-animal methods 47 as well as a hugely successful campaign by PETA
India towards ending animal use in the national education curriculum.
SAFE (Save Animals from Exploitation)
http://www.safe.org.nz
SAFE are a New Zealand based organisation and previous 2013 ‘Public Awareness’
Lush Prize winner, promoting a number of educational materials. They also offer
school speaking services to educate and raise awareness on a variety of animal
rights and welfare issues, including animal experiments. For example, SAFE recently
presented at the 'Humane Education Symposium'.
SATIS- People for Animal Rights, Germany
http://www.satis-tierrechte.de/
SATIS continues to partner with Interniche to communicate a variety of educational
materials on replacement methods to animal testing and continues to provide it's
47 http://www.peta.org/blog/chinese-scientists-learn-non-animal-testing-thanks-peta/

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper28

information on national university rankings and Master's degree programmes. SATIS
also communicates on innovative new technologies in medical research training, forexample a training course in June 2014 on use of the 'RealSpine',48 a highly
realistic spine simulator for aspiring surgeons developed at the University of Leipzig.
Junior doctors from different hospitals train using the tool under the guidance ofexperienced surgeons. While previously practiced on animal models, simulation
systems such as the "RealSpine" are increasingly used. Training courses allow newsurgeons to familiarize themselves with the complex structures of the spine and to
identify risk structures in this area of the body, before any work on patients begins.
SEURAT-1 (Safety Evaluation Ultimately Replacing Animal Tests)
http://www.seurat-1.eu/
SEURAT-1 is an international scale collaborative project funded under the EU
Seventh Framework Programme (FP-7). SEURAT recently hosted its second ‘Young
Scientists Summer School’ in collaboration with ESTIV (European Society of
Toxicology in Vitro) to discuss replacement of repeat dose toxicity testing in animals.

The Alternatives
http://thealternativeseu.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/thealternatives-eu-is-born/
A nominee for this year's prize, The Alternatives is an Italian based non-profit
organization launched in August 2013, which actively promotes alternatives to animal
experiments by providing a variety of information, scientific publications and its longterm expertise in teaching human based clinical research, as well as experience inengaging with educational authorities and regulators on replacements to animal
testing.

6.2

2014 courses and workshops

This brief section refers to some examples of forthcoming events, new courses andworkshops in 2014. Other training courses and events are also listed within the
updates for each organisation. This is not an exhaustive list and many other courses
and events are likely to be available.

48

http://www.realspine.de/Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper29▪ 9th World Congress on Alternatives – Prague
http://www.wc9prague.org/
24th- 28th August 2014
▪ EuroQSAR: Understanding Chemical-BiologicalInteractions- St. Petersburg
http://www.ldorganisation.com/v2/produits.php?
langue=english&cle_menus=1238915734&cle_data=1360153387euroqsar/
31st Aug- 4th Sep 2014
▪ Adverse Outcome Pathways: From research toregulation- Bethseda USA
http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/pubhealth/evalatm/3rs-meetings/aop-wksp-2014/index.html
3rd - 5th Sep 2014
▪ ARDF Workshop: An unlimited supply of donor free
hepatocytes for research- Edinburgh (part of
EUROTOX 2014 www.eurotox2014.com)
http://www.thebts.org/Portals/0/ARDF%20funded%20Workshop.pdf
5th Sep 2014
▪ Animal Replacement Science 2014 (Dr. Hadwen
Trust) - London
http://www.animalreplacementscience.com/?
utm_source=smartmail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Animal+Replacement+Science+Conference+2014
27th Nov 2014
▪ ESTIV-AP TOX Applied In Vitro Toxicology CoursePortugal
http://estivtraining.webs.com/
25th -29th Jan 2015

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

30

6.3

Web based educational tools and research databases

The following is a list of databases, knowledge bases or software, plus examples of
educational tools in alternative methods. Some of these are highlighted in the 2012
and 2013 papers and some are included as new examples or updates for the 2014
Training Prize cycle. (It is not an exhaustive list).
AnimAlt ZEBET – database for alternative methods to animal experiments
http://www.bfr.bund.de/en/
animalt_zebet___database_for_alternative_methods_to_animal_experiments-62822.html

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) incorporates ZEBET, whichis the “Centre for the Documentation and Evaluation of Alternatives to Animal
Experiments”. It houses AnimAlt-ZEBET, a database aiming to provide scientists withinformation on alternative methods. It is accessible on the internet without licencefees in German and English and includes validated information on alternative
methods. ZEBET has also developed a continuing education course “Laboratory
Animals, Animal Experiments and Alternative Methods” in 1992. Participation in thecourse is a “pre-requisite to the approval of an application for animal experiments”.
The course is offered as a “regular semester course at the Freie Universitaet Berlin”
and is also available on a “monthly basis as a commercial training programme” inboth German and English
The DataBase service on Alternative Methods, DB-ALM (EURL=ECVAM)
http://ecvam-dbalm.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
This database aims to “provide an overall picture on the state-of-the-art ofalternative methods in use at all stages of development, validation or regulatory
acceptance for a given topic area in the form of method summary descriptions and/or
more detailed information to allow the transfer and use of a method by a laboratory.
Data Infrastructure for Chemical Safety (DiXa)
http://www.dixa-fp7.eu/
The DiXa project states that ' animal-based test models need to be replaced preferably by robust, non-animal assays which better predict human toxicity , areless costly, and are socially more acceptable'.

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

31

The project has a number of collaborators including JRC European Commission,
Maastricht University, Imperial College London and EMBL-EBI – a not-for-profit
organisation that provides freely available bioinformatics tools and services to the
public. DiXa has continued to offer a considerable number of training courses (bothon-site and online) and workshops throughout 2013 and 2014, focussing on next
generation 'omics' technologies and data structures. Forthcoming 'Open Conferenceand Hands-on Training Workshop ‘ and 'Data Infrastructure for Chemical Safety' are
to be held in September 2014 .
DEREK Nexus Toxicity Prediction Database
http://www.lhasalimited.org/products/derek-nexus.htm
DEREK is an expert toxicity prediction database pioneered by Lhasa Limited, a notfor-profit organisation and educational charity that facilitates collaborative data
sharing projects in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and chemistry-related industries.
Froguts
http://www.froguts.com/
An on-line virtual dissection which has been designed to give better understanding offrogs and other life forms by the use of instructional technology
Go3R search engine
http://www.go3r.org/
This project, produced by Transinsight GmbH with ZEBET aims to develop a“knowledge-based search engine for alternative methods to animal experiments” It“provides an endpoint-centred semantic literature search for toxicologicalinformation (e.g. as required for REACH), highlights animal testing alternatives andorganises 22 million abstracts listed in PubMed and TOXNET in an accurate tableof contents, enabling fast bibliometric analysis and promising more exhaustive andselective recovery of relevant
documents.”

Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association Alternatives in Education(HSVMA)
http://www.hsvma.org/resources#humane_alternatives

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

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HSVMA offers a variety of educational and training materials including publications
and databases offering information on alternatives to animal use. They include theAlternatives in Education database, Alternatives Database and Humane Teaching
Methods resources, as well as others.

Sniffy the Virtual Rat
http://wadsworth.cengage.com/psychology_d/special_features/sniffy.html
An online 'virtual rat' simulation programme to aid student learning
The Tracking System on Alternative Methods (TSAR - EURL-ECVAM)
http://tsar.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
This database is “a tool aimed at providing a transparent view on the status ofalternative methods as they progress from purely scientific protocols submitted forpre-validation to being actively used in a regulatory context. This tracking system
intends to cover all steps, from the initial submission for pre-validation until final
adoption by inclusion in the EU legislation and/or related Guidance Documents,
when appropriate. In June 2014, TSAR has been amended, following release of the
EURL-ECVAM updated list of alternative methods.

QSAR Toolbox
http://www.qsartoolbox.org/
This technical database is for researchers, government bodies, chemical industry
personnel and any interested stakeholders. The software works by groupingchemicals into categories in order to identify (and therefore fill) 'gaps' in ecotoxicity
data which are needed for a complete risk assessment of a substance The tool
allows for entire categories of chemicals to be analysed, saving costs and animals
from being used in unnecessary testing. In its 'Support' section, the toolbox also
provides highly useful online training packages such as 'QSAR ToolBox Web
Training' and step by step guides for prediction of specific endpoints, e.g. skinsensitisation.

Lush Training Prize 2014 – Background Paper

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