InterNICHE, supported by Proefdiervrij, announces the 2005 Humane Education Award for replacement of harmful animal use in higher education. 20,000 Euro (US$ 25,000) is available to be split between successful proposals.

Proposals are invited from all countries for initiatives to replace harmful animal use in biological science, medical and veterinary medical education. Applicants may be teachers, students, campaigners or any other individuals committed to enhancing the efficacy and ethics of life science education.

The deadline for applications is 25th November 2005.

Examples of projects that may be funded through the 2005 Humane Education Award include, but are not limited to:

* Development of a new freeware CD-ROM, video, model or mannekin to achieve replacement

* Purchase of existing alternative products to achieve replacement

* Establishment of a student-based self-experimentation program to replace animals in physiology practical classes

* Establishment of a body donation program for securing ethically- sourced animal cadavers to replace killed animals in anatomy or surgery training

* Establishment of clinical learning opportunities to replace the use of laboratory animals in clinical skills, surgery or other practical classes

* Establishment of non-invasive field studies to replace the use of laboratory animals in ethology or other practical classes

All applications will be considered equally and judged on their merits. They will be assessed by a panel of experts according to the following
criteria:

* Potential to replace harmful animal use, based on number of animals and/or severity of procedures

* Potential pedagogic effectiveness, including assessment of student learning performance

* Innovation, resourcefulness, and overall ethical design

* Student involvement at all stages, and carefully considered strategies for implementation and evaluation

* Broader impact of the project

* Availability of existing alternative tools, and availability of existing government funds for the development of alternatives

Applications must be submitted through the on-line form at <www.interniche.org/award/2005award.htm>. Attachments may be sent separately to <coordinator@interniche.org>. All applications will be acknowledged, and shortlisted applicants may be asked for further details. Successful applicants will be notified within 1 month of the deadline.

Questions about the Award may be sent to <coordinator@interniche.org>.

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Nick Jukes
InterNICHE Co-ordinator
19 Brookhouse Avenue
Leicester LE2 0JE
England
tel/fax: +44 116 210 9652
e-mail: coordinator@interniche.org
web: www.interniche.org

F.O. Berreville
InterNICHE national contact, Canada.
email: interniche_ca@yahoo.ca
phone: (902)-454-5104
www.interniche.org