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Prof. Dr. George Gettinby's research focused on the application ofstatistical and epidemiological methods in sea-lice treatments in salmonfarming in order to minimize the number of animals required in test groups.Gettinby's research also provides an alternative to assessing theeffectiveness of veterinary medicines in fish, which supports the replacementprinciple. This alternative is the adoption of mathematical models which cansimulate the effects of treatments on lice populations.
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Dr. Dieter Lutticken, who presented the award, with a prize fund of 20,000Euro said: "There has been a long and intimate relationship between lifesciences and statistics. Prof. Gettinby's innovative statistical andepidemiological research methods are an excellent example of refining andreducing the use of animals in sea-lice treatments in salmon farming. I ampleased that we can honor Prof. Gettinby at the World Aquaculture Conferencetoday."
The panel of jury experts praised "Prof. Dr. Gettingby's innovatingmathematical model approach for investigating the optimal use of treatmentsand one which involves minimal use of animals. In addition, these methodsalso minimize the use of veterinary medicines in the environment."
Prof. Gettinby said: "I am honored to receive the Dieter Lutticken Awardand it is pleasing to know that the Award has come as a result of theincreasing role of statistics and mathematical modelling in the pursuit ofmedicines for animals and the improved health of species in aquaculture. Inaccepting this award, I gratefully acknowledge the collaboration, support andwork of the Marine Harvest Ltd, Scottish Quality Salmon, the UK Department forEnvironment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Epi-informatics research group atthe University of Strathclyde."
The Dieter Lutticken award, established in 2004, aims to encourageresearch into the use of alternative models for animal testing withsignificant impact on the development or production of new animal healthproducts. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health welcomes submissions fromscientists and public life-science institutions. The euro 20,000 award isnamed after Dr. Dieter Lutticken, a committed researcher in microbiology andvirology. He guided and shaped Intervet's R&D for more than a quarter of acentury. Dr. Lutticken retired in 2003 from his position as Vice Presidentand Head of R&D.
The award's scope covers in vitro models used in R&D which replace animaltesting for licensing purposes as well as studies avoiding the use of animalsin efficacy, safety and quality testing in the production of biologicals andpharmaceuticals for animals.
A jury panel composed of experts from public institutions of the animalhealth/animal testing sector and Intervet representatives looks for possiblecandidates and makes the final selection. Intervet also welcomes submissionsfrom all life-science research institutions. Commercial organizations areexcluded. For more information on applications, please contact GlobalCommunications, Animal Health, Boxmeer, The Netherlands([email protected]). This year's deadline is November 15, 2008.
Note for the editor
Schering-Plough is an innovation-driven, science-centered global healthcare company. Through its own biopharmaceutical research and collaborationswith partners, Scher
