In Memory of Dr. Alan M. Goldberg (1939–2026)

The European Society of Toxicology In Vitro (ESTIV) joins the international scientific community in mourning the loss of Dr. Alan M. Goldberg, who passed away on 9 June 2026 at the age of 86.

Alan Goldberg was one of the founding architects of the global movement to advance humane, human-relevant science and to promote alternatives to animal testing. Through his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to ethical scientific progress, he helped shape a field that has transformed toxicology, biomedical research, and regulatory science worldwide.

As the Founding Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Alan championed scientific innovation while advocating for a more compassionate approach to research. His work laid important foundations for what we today recognize as New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), inspiring generations of scientists to pursue methods that are both scientifically robust and ethically responsible.

Among his many achievements, Alan was the visionary behind and a co-founder of the World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences, an initiative that transformed international collaboration in the field. By bringing together scientists, regulators, industry representatives, and animal welfare advocates from around the world, he helped build a community united by a commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and compassion. The spirit of collaboration he fostered continues to shape and strengthen our field today.

Throughout his distinguished career, Alan was not only an outstanding scientist and educator, but also a mentor, bridge-builder, and advocate for inclusion, diversity, and ethical responsibility. He possessed the rare ability to bring together people with different perspectives and inspire them to work toward a shared vision of better science in service of society.

Many members of the ESTIV community had the privilege of knowing Alan personally and experienced his warmth, generosity, wisdom, and encouragement. His influence can be seen not only in scientific publications, institutions, and international initiatives, but also in the countless careers he helped shape and the friendships he cultivated across the world.

On behalf of ESTIV, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife Helene, his children, grandchildren, colleagues, friends, and all those whose lives were enriched by his presence.

As we reflect on his remarkable life, we recognize that many of the advances our community pursues today stand on foundations that Alan helped build. His legacy lives on in every effort to advance human-relevant science, improve animal welfare, and foster international cooperation in toxicology and biomedical research. We are profoundly grateful for his lifelong contributions, his leadership, and his humanity.

Alan Goldberg leaves behind not only a scientific legacy, but a global community that continues to carry forward the vision he helped create.

May his memory be a blessing and an inspiration to future generations.

The ESTIV Board
European Society of Toxicology In Vitro (ESTIV)
Link to the obituary: https://www.sagelbloomfield.com/obituaries/alan-marvin-goldberg