Lush Prize

Animal testing is both inhumane and unscientific and the Prize aims to speed the introduction of non-animal testing, particularly in toxicity testing for consumer products and ingredients.

Launched in 2012 as an annual prize, and becoming biennial in 2018, the prizes are available across a number of categories. These are:

• Science
• Training
• Young Researcher
• Public Awareness
• Lobbying
• Political Achievement

In 2015 we also awarded a Black Box Prize, for a major breakthrough in 21st Century Toxicology – the area which holds out most hope for a ‘Eureka’ moment leading to the replacement of animal tests. The full £250,000 was awarded to a group of scientists involved in mapping, designing and approving replacement tests in the human toxicity pathway of skin sensitisation (allergy).

Lush Prize winners are chosen by a panel of independent judges comprising of research scientists, campaigners, politicians and members of the public. An awards ceremony and conference is held during each prize cycle.

Ethical Consumer's role in the Lush Prize

The Prize combines the research and campaigning skills of Ethical Consumer and the passion and resources of Lush staff and is the biggest prize in the non-animal testing sector. The Prize will continue until all animal testing has been replaced.

Ethical Consumer administers all aspects of the prize in collaboration with Lush Cosmetics.

This includes:

• Facilitating the judging process
• Promoting the Prize online and at international conferences
• Organising the awards ceremony and conference
• Providing briefing papers on the latest developments in areas of science and campaigning relevant to the Prize