For the first time, the German Research Foundation (DFG) has this month awarded a new prize to scientists whose work has improved the protection of animals used in research.

The inaugural awards went to Klaus Otto, 51, professor of experimental surgery and anesthesiology at the central animal laboratory of the University of Hanover's Medical School, and Lisa Wiesmüller, 43, head of gynecological oncology at the University of Ulm. Each will be honored for their general work contributing to animal protection at a ceremony November 17 in Bonn.

The Ursula M. Händel Animal Protection Prize, which carries a cash award of €12,500 (USD $16,200), was created with a cash donation from Mrs. Händel, a long-time supporter of animal protection issues in the Bonn area.

Hans-Joachim Bode, program director of the DFG's Life Sciences Division and a coordinator of the new prize, told The Scientist that the DFG set up...

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