The EU’s top prize for innovation which improves animal welfare during research has been won by the University of Coimbra, Portugal.

The Refinement Prize, awarded by the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA), recognised the team’s non-invasive and stress-free method (HaPILLness) of oral drug dosing for rodents during tests (see video for more information).

The successful project team included EARA Communications Officer, Ana Barros, who is also a member of the EPAA Mirror Group – an advisory forum for the EPAA.

“We hope this award will aid HaPILLness to be a forward step towards the implementation of the refinement and reduction in rodents oral drug dosing,” said Inês Preguiça of the University of Coimbra.