As we enter the 4th year of our annual Janet Wood Innovation Award, we’re proud to look back on all of the achievements so far.
The original idea of holding the award came from our Brand Manager, Mark Johnson. He originally thought about doing some kind of end-user focus group to help to come up with new ideas and designs.
It was, of course, inspired by co-founder of Datesand, Janet Wood, who sadly passed away in 2010. Janet knew that there was a very clear need for innovative products which would be of real practical assistance in safeguarding and enriching the lives of the animals used in research and making the work of those who cared for them simpler and more effective. She and the Datesand team understood that the best way to discover products which really worked for the animals, is to ask the people who looked after them – the professionals!
So, since 2017, Datesand have given those at the forefront of the industry the chance to offer products aimed at improving the welfare of the laboratory animals. To enter the competition, it was decided that designs must promote at least one of the 3Rs; Replacement, Reduction & Refinement.
The award has introduced a variety of highly popular products which have gone on to sell successfully, both nationally and globally within the industry. This includes our 3 current winners;
- Mouse Swing, by Lisa Doar
- Nombrero wet diet feeder, by Vanessa Jenkins
- Rat Scratcher, by Sarah Taylor – available now!
Despite not taking the top spot, we have taken several other designs put forward in the competition, manufactured and sold successfully too. This includes the Lilypad, Mouse Mezzanine, the Tunnel Clip and we will be releasing the C-Saw later this year after coming 2nd in the JWI Award 2019.
The Janet Wood Innovation Award is gradually becoming more and more global. We are seeing some excellent product ideas being sent in from all over the world. As we continue with the competition, we look forward to seeing this continue and are beyond excited to see the new, innovative designs that you might have!
As well as having the opportunity to have your very own product on the market, winning the JWI Award comes with some extra benefits! First place will also win an all-expenses-paid trip to any Life Sciences trade conference in the world of your choice as well as a £4,000/$5,000award towards publication in an open access scientific journal.
Coming second will also bag you a brand-new state of the art iPad and 3rd place offers £200 in shopping vouchers to spend as you please!
If you would like to take part, you can find application packs with full instructions and T&C here or you can email us at jwiaward@datesand.com for more information.
Closing date for the competition will be 1st February 2020.