In brief

Young TPI (a network of young researchers and professionals committed to animal-free innovation) has won the Willy van Heumen Prize. The prize recognises their efforts to involve the next generation in research without animal testing. What makes this even more special is that it is the first time an organisation has won this prize, and the award ceremony took place at their own conference.

What a milestone! Young TPI has won the Willy van Heumen Prize, which was made even more special by the fact that the prize was awarded during their own conference. This is a special recognition for a group of young scientists and professionals who are demonstrating that the future of research can be animal-free.

Who is Young TPI?

Young TPI is a network of young professionals, PhD students and students who believe in innovation without animal testing. They are part of the Transition to Animal-Free Innovation (TPI) movement and are committed to making animal-free methods visible and self-evident early in their careers.

Their mission? To inform, inspire and involve young people in an animal-free future. They organise meetings, identify areas for improvement and contribute fresh ideas to a theme that is sometimes still stuck in old habits.

As chair Saskia Aan het says:

‘For the transition, it is important to involve different groups, including young professionals who are still at the beginning of their careers. They can consciously choose how they want to contribute to the transition and be supported in doing so. In recent years, we have seen this group grow. They are increasingly speaking out about what they consider important in animal-free research.’

That is exactly where Young TPI makes a difference: they bring new energy, openness and courage to a world that is in flux.

About the Willy van Heumen Prize

The Willy van Heumen Prize is awarded every two years to a person (or organisation) who has made a significant contribution in the Netherlands to reducing animal testing and promoting animal-free alternatives. The prize consists of a cash sum of at least £15,000, a bronze statue and a medal with a certificate.

The prize is named after an animal lover who left her inheritance to a future free of animal testing. The accompanying sculpture, “Hommage” (on display in the ZonMw building in The Hague), symbolises appreciation for all animals that have been used for scientific purposes.

Why this prize is so special

This year, for the first time, organisations could also be nominated – and Young TPI immediately won the prize.

Saskia explains:

‘We are still a relatively young organisation, so it’s really wonderful that people already recognise how much we have achieved and how much potential we still have. With this prize, we are taking an important step towards realising that potential.’

The next generation takes over

Young TPI winning the Willy van Heumen Prize is more than a compliment: it is a sign that the next generation is taking over. A generation that not only wants to work differently, but also does so.

The animal-free future is on the move and Young TPI shows that this future is closer than ever.