The Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine

The award celebrates exceptional scientific research that has contributed to improving the welfare of companion animals, horses, or livestock in the Nordic countries. Research on preventive measures is particularly welcome.

Professor Ingrid Ljungvall and professor Jens Häggström
PRESS RELEASE

The 2026 Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine awarded to Jens Häggström and Ingrid Ljungvall

SLU professors Jens Häggström and Ingrid Ljungvall have received the 2026 Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine for their research on heart disease in dogs and cats. Their research has contributed to improved diagnostics and treatment, greater knowledge about hereditary heart diseases, extended the lives of numerous companion animals and goes well beyond national borders and species boundaries.

A formal award ceremony on stage, where a woman in a suit hands a bouquet to a man receiving an open certificate. Two ceremonial attendants stand on either side.

Royal visit as SLU presents Outstanding Veterinary Research Award

Under solemn and celebratory circumstances, the newly established Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine was presented on 26 November 2025.

Woman with a dog on her lap.

Celebrating the impact of veterinary medicine on animals, people and society

"We share our lives and the environment with animals. Every fourth household has a pet, and farm animals continue to mean a lot in our modern society. Veterinary medicine today stands for innovation, breadth, and depth, and is important not only for the sake of animals, but also for humans. With the prize, which is financed by Agria and which will pay particular attention to preventive efforts, we hope to inspire continued scientific development throughout the Nordic countries." – Maria Knutson Wedel, Vice-Chancellor at SLU

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About the award

Symbol for The Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine, SLU & Agria.

The Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine is an annual prize, first presented in 2025. It is awarded for exceptional research contributions to veterinary medicine, conducted in the Nordic countries.

Veterinary medical research refers to basic and applied research in the veterinary sciences, including preclinical, paraclinical and clinical scientific subjects, particularly those related to animal health and welfare that have had a positive impact in the field.

The first award will be presented in November 2025 as part of Sweden's celebrations marking 250 years of veterinary medicine. The winner will receive a certificate and SEK 1 000 000, which can be used at the winner’s discretion.

The nomination period for the 2026 award is closed; the next call opens in December 2026. Read more about the award and the nomination process.