Alan Alwakeel among five young scientists worldwide to earn a $3,000 prize at 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Alan Alwakeel, a recent graduate of Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville, Florida, was one of just five recipients of the prestigious Humane Science Award at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The award is presented by the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS), a nonprofit devoted to the advancement of science without harming animals and the only animal advocacy group invited to award a prize at the ISEF. Each recipient received a $3,000 prize in recognition of their outstanding humane science project.

Alwakeel's project, "The Virtual Cell 2.0: Expanding Precision and Personalized Cancer Therapy Through AI-Powered Simulation," utilizes progressive computational frameworks to evaluate the potential efficacy of different cancer treatments. By eliminating the need for animal testing, his work squares solidly with the purpose of the NAVS award.

Alwakeel's innovative platform has the potential to transform how -- and how quickly -- future cancer treatments are developed, tested and put into practice. Alwakeel's passion for accelerating treatment options is personal, motivated by a family member's diagnosis with an aggressive form of breast cancer. He believes new tools, especially data-driven approaches, can help researchers ask better questions and pursue answers more efficiently while advancing work that benefits both patients and animals.

"Alan's work proves that innovative, forward-thinking methods are always within reach if we open our minds to the possibilities," said Dr. Lauren Stein, NAVS director of science and research programs. "'The Virtual Cell' is a breakthrough research model that is faster, more effective and completely forgoes harm to animals. It's a wonderful example of why NAVS sponsors the Humane Science Award."

Alwakeel will attend Harvard University this fall, where he plans to continue developing "The Virtual Cell" platform while studying neuroscience and computer science secondarily.

Two other U.S. students, a Canadian student and a student from South Korea also were selected as Humane Science Award winners, whose projects were chosen from among more than 1,300 submitted to ISEF. As the world's largest pre-college science competition, the ISEF drew more than 1,700 top-tier high school students from over 60 countries and territories to compete for over $7 million in awards, scholarships and internships. NAVS has presented the Humane Science Award annually since 2002.

For more information about NAVS, visit navs.org.

To see the full list of the Regeneron ISEF 2026 Special Awards, visit societyforscience.org/press-release/regeneron-isef-2026-special-awards-ceremony/.

About NAVS

The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the exploitation of animals used in scientific research and education. Founded in 1929, NAVS works to advance humane, human-relevant science through public education, policy advocacy and support for innovative non-animal research methods. The organization also promotes alternatives to classroom dissections and supports sanctuaries for animals formerly used in laboratories, helping drive the transition toward ethical and effective scientific practices. For more information about NAVS, visit navs.org.

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SOURCE National Anti-Vivisection Society