We are proud to announce the launch of The Geoffrey Deckers Award, a prize open to small and medium-sized European groups, coalitions and organisations opposed to animal experiments, for projects related to ending animal tests in Europe.

The award honours Geoffrey Deckers, the much respected and loved former Chair of the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments and Cruelty Free Europe, who passed away in June 2020.

Geoffrey was a dedicated animal protection campaigner who co-founded Dutch animal protection group, Diervriendelijk Nederland, in 1998. He went on to lead many successful campaigns in the Netherlands, across Europe and beyond.

Most notable was the ending use of chimpanzees in biomedical research in the Netherlands, which saw the last chimps kept in European laboratories transferred to a sanctuary in 2006.

Michelle Thew, Our Chief Executive, says: “A strong commitment to togetherness shone through in Geoffrey. He naturally connected with animal groups and protection advocates worldwide and was always there to support and encourage anyone wanting to make a difference for animals.

“The Geoffrey Deckers Award is our way of honouring and continuing Geoffrey’s spirit for outreach and partnership.”

Adrie van Steijn, Chair, Diervriendelijk Nederland, says: “With this award honouring all that Geoffrey has done for animals makes losing him a little easier to bear, we lost him too suddenly and way too young. He still had so much to do to make sure animals would get a better life with less suffering. This way, other animal friends can carry on what he couldn't finish.”

The 6,000 Euros annual award will be offered to successful applicants on 13th January each year to mark Geoffrey’s birthday. The award will go to groups demonstrating a commitment to ending animal tests and projects likely to make the most efficient and effective use of funds towards this goal.

Application letters must be sent to info@crueltyfreeeurope.org by 31^st December.