Trailblazing researchers recognised at the Pioneer Awards 2025

We were thrilled to present three innovative researchers with Pioneer Awards at our 2025 Science Conference. This year’s Outstanding Scientist, Early Career Researcher and Supporter’s Choice Awards were given to three exceptional scientists, leading the way in advancing animal-free alternatives.

The Outstanding Scientist Award celebrates those making a significant impact in the field of animal-free research. This year’s award was presented to Dr Dania Movia, founder and lead of the Humane Biomedical Research Group at Maynooth University – home to Ireland’s first wet lab dedicated to animal-free respiratory research.

Dania has made groundbreaking contributions to animal-free research models, particularly in lung cancer, driving forward the replacement of animals in biomedical science. With over 50 peer-reviewed publications, involvement in four patents, and recognition from both the World Health Organisation and European Chemicals Agency, Dania’s trailblazing work is at the forefront of shaping both science and policy.

Dania’s work to promote animal-free alternatives embodies the awards’ ethos; advocating for sustainable, innovative research practices, while inspiring the next generation of scientists through collaboration and clinical impact.

Dr Dania Movia said: “I’m deeply honoured to receive the Outstanding Scientist Award. This recognition is not just for me, but for all the students and researchers who have been part of my journey toward advancing human-relevant preclinical science. Their dedication and collaboration have been vital. Together, we are showing that impactful research can thrive without relying on animals, and that a more ethical, effective future is not only possible, but already underway.” 

The Early Career Scientist Award celebrates the rising stars who are building their careers around animal-free research.  We were delighted to present the 2025 award to Dr Laura Sinclair, post-doctoral researcher in Professor Lorna Harries’ group at the Animal Replacement Centre of Excellence (ARC2.0), University of Exeter.

Laura has shown unwavering commitment to human-specific science, through her first-in-human study on plant sterols for hand osteoarthritis, and her discovery of sex differences in cell responses to repurposed drugs. An inspiring advocate, Laura regularly engages with policy makers and speaks at parliamentary events to promote human-specific science.

Dr Laura Sinclair said: “I feel very humbled to receive the Early Career Scientist Award. I am deeply grateful to Animal Free Research UK and their supporters for their patronage. Without them, and the scientists that laid the groundwork, my research would not have been possible. I am optimistic that we are moving towards kinder, better medical research with more human relevance.” 

Our Supporters Choice award, voted for by supporters of Animal Free Research UK and the Centre for Human Specific Research, was awarded to the Mini Hearts Project, led by Professor Chris Denning and Dr Kate Nguyen at the University of Nottingham.

This innovative project uses human stem cells to grow tiny beating “mini hearts,” offering a cutting-edge, ethical alternative to animal testing in heart disease research—helping deliver better treatments for patients while sparing animal lives.

Professor Chris Denning said: “Receiving this award gives Kate and I huge pride. It’s probably a similar feeling to that experienced by the winners of the Chelsea Flower Show People Choice Award – but times ten. Why? Because Animal Free Research UK are helping to rewrite the art-of-the-possible for drug safety evaluation without a need for animals. This takes sustained effort but the passion of the Animal Free Research UK team is unwavering and change is happening. Being a small part of this matters, which is why the award means so much. Thank you to everyone who has supported Animal Free Research UK.”

Animal Free Research UK CEO, Carla Owen said: “It is a true honor to be able to recognise some of the brightest minds in animal-free research. Their dedication to promoting human-specific practices is inspiring others to embrace innovative, cruelty-free methods.

“Each one of our winners represents the future of scientific research, proving that scientific breakthroughs can go hand-in-hand with compassion. I couldn’t be prouder to celebrate their achievements at this year’s Science Conference.”