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.

Now open: Nominations for the 2026 award

The nomination period for The Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine 2026 is open and the last day to nominate is February 26, 2026. Welcome to nominate outstanding researchers who have made significant contributions to animal welfare!

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.

Close-up of Professor Henrik Elvang Jensen with some students barely visible in the background
INTERVIEW

Professor Henrik Elvang Jensen is honored with the first-ever Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine

What really drives me is the same as it was 40 years ago: to develop the field. To help decide the direction we take – and to see that direction turn into real change across veterinary science and practice.

Read more

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 2025 award is closed; the next call opens in December 2025. Read more about the award and the nomination process.

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