VUB researcher Mathieu Vinken awarded international prize for animal welfare in research
Brussels, 16 January 2026 – Professor Mathieu Vinken, toxicologist at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), has received the SOT Enhancement of Animal Welfare Award, a prestigious international distinction from the Society of Toxicology (SOT).
The award honors outstanding contributions to the advancement of toxicological science through the development and application of methods that replace, refine, or reduce the use of laboratory animals. It also recognizes scientifically sound and ethical research practices, as well as efforts to raise public awareness of animal welfare in toxicological research.
Professor Vinken receives the award for his significant and long-standing contributions to innovative, animal-free and animal-friendly research methods within toxicology. His work is internationally regarded as a benchmark at the intersection of scientific excellence and ethical responsibility.
Mathieu Vinken (Ph.D., Pharm.D., E.R.T.): "This recognition means a great deal to me. It is a tremendous honor, especially since this SOT award is only rarely granted to European researchers. I am receiving this distinction in part for my role as coordinator of the ongoing European ONTOX project and of the ASPIS project cluster. Within these European initiatives, we are developing innovative alternatives to animal testing. We make use of advanced cell culture techniques, such as 3D cultures and organ-on-chip technologies, as well as computational models and artificial intelligence. Our goal is to test the safety of chemical substances—including medicines, biocides, food, and cosmetics—in a more predictive, reliable, and animal-friendly manner."
The official award ceremony will take place during the annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology, from 22 to 25 March 2026 in San Diego (USA).
With this international recognition, VUB reaffirms its leading role in ethically responsible, innovative, and socially relevant research.
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Tineke Sonck
