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Boehringer Ingelheim: Shaping the Future of Veterinary Research

As the world advances towards better animal health, the importance of scientific collaboration and connection becomes increasingly evident. This sentiment was echoed during the 2026 Veterinary Scholars Symposium, which took place from August 6 to 8 in Raleigh, North Carolina. This year's event brought together more than 500 veterinary students to exchange ideas and research with top industry professionals from over three dozen leading veterinary schools.

Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and organized by the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, this symposium represents the culmination of the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program. For nearly four decades, this program has provided aspiring veterinarians with practical biomedical research experiences, cultivating a global network of professionals committed to advancing animal and human health research.

At this year's event, two standout researchers were awarded for their exceptional contributions to the field. Isha Chauhan, a DVM/PhD student at Cornell University, was honored with the 2026 Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award for Veterinary Students for her innovative work focusing on early equine pregnancy loss. Isha's research utilized a genome-wide association study to pinpoint genetic variants associated with pregnancy loss in horses. Through her analysis of over 400 samples, she identified mutations in crucial developmental genes that may lead to early pregnancy failures. This important work aims to contribute to the design of preimplantation and prenatal screening tools, ultimately enhancing reproductive success in equines. Interestingly, her discoveries may also provide valuable insights into pregnancy complications within human medicine.

The 2026 Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award for Graduate Veterinarians was awarded to Kevin Gustafson, a DVM, PhD candidate at the University of Missouri. Kevin's groundbreaking research investigates how the parental gut microbiome influences fetal development, offspring behavior, metabolism, and brain function. Utilizing a combination of behavioral testing, microbiome profiling, and advanced genomic analysis, his research has illuminated how variations in maternal gut microbiome compositions can impact fetal neurodevelopment. These findings are critical, as they pave the way for improved lifelong health strategies for both humans and animals, showcasing how interconnected our health truly is.

The landmark symposium highlighted not just the achievements of these awardees but also the broader cohort of Veterinary Scholars, who represent the next wave of innovative researchers tackling urgent animal health issues.

Dr. Monica Figueiredo, the program's director, emphasized the critical role of investing in future veterinarians, stating, "Advancing innovation in animal health requires not only research acumen but also the mentorship necessary to transform scientific curiosity into impactful discoveries. Our scholars are shaping not just the comprehension of animal health today but also the future of the entire veterinary profession."

Commitment to Veterinary Education

Boehringer Ingelheim's support for the veterinary profession extends beyond the symposium and research awards. The company annually contributes extensive resources to veterinary schools across the United States, providing tens of thousands of doses of vaccines and parasite prevention products. This donation effort aims to foster community engagement and give veterinary students hands-on experience in clinical settings.

The organization's veterinarians frequently volunteer at schools, sharing their expertise and participating in community initiatives. The Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation's Animal Health Program also allocates $2.5 million over three years to address pivotal challenges in the veterinary field, ensuring a robust pipeline for future veterinarians.

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim stands as a leading innovator in animal health, dedicated to developing vaccines, medicines, and treatments to combat diseases in a diversity of animals. The company's commitment to intertwining human and animal health aids in creating a healthier society as a whole. Founded in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim prioritizes sustainability and research, placing it among the top global biopharmaceutical firms today. With over 54,500 employees servicing more than 130 markets, Boehringer Ingelheim continues to strive for a healthier tomorrow for all species.

For more information regarding the Boehringer Ingelheim Research Awards and to learn how to apply for the 2027 awards by the December 30, 2026 deadline, visit Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars.