In March we challenged you to “let your imagination run wild to think about novel ways to replace animals in research” and enter the and Â鶹´«Ã½ “Beyond animal research” essay competition.
We received more than 120 entries from all over the world, and a judging panel (including developmental biologist and , head of research at the University of Manchester) has picked their favourites.
The winner
The winning essay, “Your virtual twin” by Natalia Alexandrov, a researcher at NASA’s in Hampton, Virginia, introduces us to the world of 2050, when computer-generated twins are created for every baby to test drugs and detect long-term health issues.
Competition judge Lewis Wolpert said: “This essay was imaginative and well written. In 50 years’ time, virtual twins could be a reality and a way of testing every individual throughout their life.”
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Congratulations to Natalia, who wins £2000.
Runners-up
“The jigsaw puzzle” by Kristian Funding Andersen of Danish pharmaceuticals company was picked as one of the runners-up. Competition judge Nancy Rothwell said: “This was a story of personal empowerment, and illustrates one way forward for the future of personalised medicine.”
“2061: When animal research is obsolete” by Gideon Kersten from the was also chosen as one of the runners-up. Competition judge Jeremy Webb, editor-in-chief of Â鶹´«Ã½, said: “This essay was imaginative and laid out a roadmap of how we are going to get to the future.”
Congratulations to Gideon and Kristian, who each win £500.
