The jury found his research methods an excellent example of commitment to the advancement of reducing, refining and replacing the use of animals in research, development and production of veterinary medicines.
Prof Dr George Gettinbys research focused on the application of statistical and epidemiological methods in sea-lice treatments in salmon farming in order to minimize the number of animals required in test groups. Gettinbys research also provides an alternative to assessing the effectiveness of veterinary medicines in fish, which supports the replacement principle. This alternative is the adoption of mathematical models which can simulate the effects of treatments on lice populations.
Dr Dieter Ltticken, who presented the award, with a prize fund of 20,000 Euro said: "There has been a long and intimate relationship between life sciences and statistics. Prof. Gettinbys innovative statistical and epidemiological research methods are an excellent example of refining and reducing the use of animals in sea - lice treatments in salmon farming. I am pleased that we can honor Prof. Gettinby at the World Aquaculture Conference today."
The panel of jury experts praised "Prof Dr Gettingbys innovating mathematical model approach for investigating the optimal use of treatments and one which involves minimal use of animals. In addition, these methods also minimize the use of veterinary medicines in the environment".
Prof. Gettinby said: "I am honored to receive the Dieter Ltticken Award and it is pleasing to know that the Award has come as a result of the increasing role of statistics and mathematical modelling in the pursuit of medicines for animals and the improved health of species in aquaculture. In accepting this award, I gratefully acknowledge the collaboration, support and work of the Marine Harvest Ltd, Scottish Quality Salmon, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Epi-informatics research group at the University of Strathclyde."
The Dieter Ltticken award, established in 2004, aims to encourage research into the use of alternative models for animal testing with significant impact on the development or production of new animal health products. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health welcomes submissions from scientists and public life-science institutions. The 20,000 award is named after Dr. Dieter Ltticken, a committed researcher in microbiology and virology. He guided and shaped Intervets R&D for more than a quarter of a century. Dr. Ltticken retired in 2003 from his position as Vice President and Head of R&D. The awards scope covers in vitro models used in R&D which replace animal testing for licensing purposes as well as studies avoiding the use of animals in efficacy, safety and quality testing in the production of biologicals and pharmaceuticals for animals.
A jury panel composed of experts from public institutions of the animal health/animal testing sector and Intervet representatives looks for possible candidates and makes the final selection. Intervet also welcomes submissions from all life-science research institutions. Commercial organizations are excluded.
This years deadline is November 15, 2008.
Further Reading
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- | Find out about the Dieter Lutticken Award by clicking here. |
