Michelson Prize and Grants in Reproductive Biology

Michelson Prize and Grants for Reproductive Biology makes $75 million (USD) available for research in pursuit of a safe and effective, single dose, non-surgical sterilant for male and female cats and dogs.^[1] The prize was established in October 2008 by the Found Animals Foundation.

To aid scientists in pursuing this goal, the Michelson Grants are available in quantities of approximately $250,000 per year per grant, totaling up to $50 million, for research pursuing innovative approaches to non-surgical sterilization technology for companion animals.^[2] Found Animals Foundation states that the purpose of the Michelson Prize & Grants is to inspire qualified researchers from a variety of scientific fields to pursue the development of a low cost, non-surgical sterilization product for cats and dogs, in an effort to help reduce animal shelter intake and euthanasia.^[3] The Humane Society of the United States estimates that every year between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. animal shelters; some three to four million of these animals are euthanized, most simply for the lack of an available adoptive home.^[4]

According to the Found Animals website, the Michelson Prize & Grants seeks to make sterilization for cats and dogs accessible and affordable worldwide. Found Animals has stated plans to commercialize the successful product for provision, at low cost, to shelters and NGOs.^[5] Proposals for grant funding are reviewed by the Foundation’s Director of Scientific Research and Scientific Advisory Board, whose members include prominent researchers Scott Campbell, Norman Hecht, and David Wildt.^[6]

Found Animals Foundation, Inc. is a privately funded 501(c)(3), non-profit organization dedicated to minimizing shelter euthanasia. Found Animals creates programs designed to reduce shelter intake, increase live release rates and focuses on developing cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable animal welfare business models.^[7] The Foundation is funded by prolific inventor, entrepreneur and billionaire, Dr. Gary K. Michelson.

References

1. ^ http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-10-15-michelson-pet-sterilization_N.htm?loc
2. ^ http://michelson.foundanimals.org/michelson-grants
3. ^ http://michelson.foundanimals.org/about-michelson
4. ^ http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/overpopulation_estimates.html
5. ^ http://michelson.foundanimals.org/michelson-prize
6. ^ http://michelson.foundanimals.org/about-michelson/scientific-board
7. ^ http://www.foundanimals.org/about-us/press/animal-welfare-leaders-participate-unprecedented-community-building-event

External links

• Official Found Animals Web Site
• USA Today article on the Michelson Prize
• PawNation article on the Michelson Prize
• Forbes Magazine article on the Michelson Prize