AWE Award Winners from the School of Biomedical Sciences
Researchers from the School of Biomedical Sciences have been recognized at the University’s eighth annual Animal Welfare Excellence (AWE) Awards.
Image: Panel Discussion with SBS award recipients and Prof Ian van Driel, Independent Chair of Animal Ethics Committee (right)
The awards recognise outstanding contributions to the Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (3Rs) of animal use in research and teaching, highlighting innovative approaches that advance both scientific discovery and animal welfare.
Dr Gesa Albers (DMI), Charlene Yong-Yu Chen (DBP) and Deirdre Cuff (DMI) were awarded third place for developing a human-derived lung co-culture model that enables the study of complex airway immune responses without relying on animal models. Their innovative platform provides a more physiologically relevant system for respiratory research while advancing the replacement of animals in biomedical science.
Image: Dr Gesa Albers & Charlene Yong-Yu Chen with Prof Ian van Driel (left)
Dr Shana Portelli (DMI) also received a Highly Commended award for advancing the 3Rs through both refined animal procedures and complementary laboratory-based approaches to brain cancer research. Her work reduced reliance on invasive procedures for drug administration, while also developing in vitro methods that further decrease animal use and maximise the value of data obtained from each study.
Image: Dr Shana Portelli & Prof Ian van Driel (left)
The recognition reflects the School’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative research methods that improve animal welfare while delivering high-quality scientific outcomes.
Image: Panel Discussion with SBS award recipients
The AWE Awards are held annually to celebrate excellence and innovation in animal welfare across the University. Researchers, students and professional staff are encouraged to consider nominations for the next round of awards, which is expected to open in early 2027.
Further information about this year’s award recipients is available via the Research Gateway.