A future where animals are no longer required for research and safety testing is hard to imagine. Many believe this vision is more science fiction than science fact, and that it may be impossible to ever truly replicate the complexity of a whole organism in the laboratory. However, this is no reason for complacency, as embracing this challenge can drive scientific progress and stimulate innovative approaches to reducing animal use. To create a shift towards a research environment with reduced reliance on animals, we need to be ambitious, and predict what technologies we might need to get there. Technologies such as tissue engineering, stem cells and computer modelling have huge potential to reduce animal use, but are they being fully exploited and will they provide the entire solution? Are there developments in disciplines outside the biological sciences that could be applied to help replace animal use? If you can imagine a research environment where advances in science and technology lead to less reliance on animals, why not enter the New Scientist/NC3Rs essay competition? The winning essay will be published in New Scientist and the winner will receive a cash prize of £2000. Two runners up prizes of £500 will also be awarded. Applicants should produce a 650 word article in a lively, entertaining and informative style suitable for publication in New Scientist. Anyone is invited to apply but entries are particularly encouraged from undergraduate, postgraduate and post-doctoral scientists and science communicators. The competition is now open, and the closing date is 17 April 2009.

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