The European Society of Toxicology In Vitro (ESTIV) is announcing the Liebsch and Spielmann Award for the first time – named, among others, after Prof. Dr. Horst Spielmann, who worked for many years at the Institute of Pharmacy at Freie Universität Berlin. His work has shaped the field of alternative methods research both nationally and internationally.

The award was presented in September 2025 at the 13th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences in Rio de Janeiro and honours outstanding achievements in the development, validation, and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods to animal testing.

Horst Spielmann was Honorary Professor of Regulatory Toxicology at the Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy at Freie Universität Berlin. 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.

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. The fact that the new award bears their names recognises both their scientific excellence and long-standing contributions to the promotion of innovative alternative methods.

The Liebsch and Spielmann Award will be presented at the next ESTIV Congress, to be held from 29 June to 2 July 2026 in Maastricht, and will subsequently be awarded every two years.

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Call for Applications: Liebsch and Spielmann Award

ESTIV now invites international scientists to submit applications for the first edition of the award.

Objectives of the Award

• To recognise scientific work that makes a significant contribution to the development, validation, or regulatory implementation of alternative methods

• To promote innovative research approaches and commitment to humane, animal-free science

• To honour contributions to New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) that support the 3Rs principle and advance human-relevant research

Submission of Applications
Applications can be submitted electronically until 31 December 2025.
Please send your documents to: grants@estiv.com, CC: secretariat@estiv.org, Subject: Liebsch and Spielmann Award

Further information:

• ESTIV Liebsch and Spielmann Award