The ESTIV Members AreaThis prestigious award, established by the European Society of Toxicology In Vitro (ESTIV), honors outstanding scientific contributions to the validation and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods to animal testing.
Named in tribute to two renowned pioneers in the field—Dr. Manfred Liebsch and Prof. Dr. Horst Spielmann — the award celebrates excellence in advancing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) that support the 3Rs principles and promote human-relevant science.
Both scientists were long-standing and active members of ESTIV, a driving force behind many key advances in regulatory toxicology and the international validation of alternative methods. Prof. Dr. Horst Spielmann notably served as ESTIV President during 2002-2008. Prof. Spielmann and Dr. Liebsch were both directors of ZEBET at the BfR (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany) in the years 1989-2007 and 2008-2012.
Award Objectives
- To recognise impactful scientific work that contributes to the development, validation, and regulatory uptake of alternative methods
- To encourage innovation and commitment to humane science
- To honour the legacy of two pioneers who shaped the field of in vitro toxicology and validation science in Europe and beyond
Eligibility
- Individual scientists, research teams working in academia or industry, CROs, NGOs or regulatory institutions
- Have demonstrated significant contributions to the validation process of alternative methods (NAMs)
- Open to ESTIV and non-ESTIV members globally
Award Criteria
- Scientific quality and originality
- Impact on the validation process (e.g., formal validation studies, guideline development, standardisation)
- Contribution to the regulatory acceptance and practical implementation of alternative methods
- Engagement in international collaboration or capacity building
- Career-long achievement or transformative single milestone
Award Package
- Commemorative certificate, monetary award of 2000 Euro, and a trophy
- Complimentary ESTIV Congress registration and support for travel/accommodation for the awarded person (in case of teams, one representative of the team)
- Invited lecture at the ESTIV Congress Award Ceremony
- Featured profile in the ESTIV newsletter, website, and social media
Nomination & Selection
- Biennial call for nominations
- Open to self-nominations and third-party nominations
- Nomination package to include CV, summary of contributions, and two letters of support
- Selection made by the ESTIV Award Committee in consultation with members of the ESTIV Executive Board
Launch and First Edition
- Official launch at World Congress 13, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- First award to be presented at the ESTIV Congress 2026 in Maastricht
