EVA have previously won the award in 2021 and 2024, with prize money from these awards helping to fund an annual conference at the University of Sarajevo which has already influenced two faculties at the University to commit to prohibiting the use of animals in their education and research. The Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Faculty became the second University of Sarajevo department to formally commit to prohibiting the use of animals in its work in 2024, after EVA previously worked with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

The remaining prize money will be rolled over to the 2026 prize fund to offer applicants the chance of receiving 9000e towards their work.

Public Affairs lead for Cruelty Free Europe, Dylan Underhill said: “EVA have set exceptional standards in their work to end animal testing, and we congratulate them on their successes in collaborating with the University of Sarajevo. Particularly against the backdrop of a challenging political picture, EcoVegAnimals continue to make an invaluable impact in their region and we look forward to celebrating future projects with as much joy.

“Geoffrey brought inspirational passion and energy to all of his work, leading many successful campaigns across Europe as well as being the much-loved chair of both the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments and Cruelty Free Europe, before he tragically passed away in June 2020. 

“We still feel that inspiration today, and this award was created in his honour. We now begin the search for our 2026 winners, with an increased prize fund and a desire to reward work at the highest possible level which aims to end animal testing in Europe.”