Jacksonville, Fla. – September 13, 2026 -- Alan Alwakeel, a recent graduate of Stanton College Preparatory School, received a $3,000 Humane Science Award from the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) for an AI-powered cancer therapy simulation platform that eliminates the need for animal testing.
Platform simulates cancer treatment efficacy without animal trials
Alwakeel's project, "The Virtual Cell 2.0: Expanding Precision and Personalized Cancer Therapy Through AI-Powered Simulation," applies computational frameworks to evaluate potential cancer treatment outcomes. The tool aims to accelerate how new therapies are developed, tested and deployed by replacing traditional animal-based testing methods with data-driven simulation.
Five winners selected from over 1,300 ISEF submissions
NAVS, the only animal advocacy organization authorized to present an award at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), selected five recipients from more than 1,300 projects submitted worldwide. Each winner received a $3,000 prize. The 2026 fair drew over 1,700 high school students from more than 60 countries competing for over $7 million in total awards, scholarships and internships.
Winners include students from three countries
Alongside Alwakeel, two other U.S. students, one Canadian student and one South Korean student were named Humane Science Award recipients. NAVS has presented the award annually since 2002.
Family cancer diagnosis motivated research direction
Alwakeel's work was driven by a family member's diagnosis with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Dr. Lauren Stein, NAVS director of science and research programs, said the Virtual Cell model is "faster, more effective and completely forgoes harm to animals."
Alwakeel will enroll at Harvard University this fall, where he plans to continue developing the Virtual Cell platform while studying neuroscience and computer science.