0
The NOVUS Distinguished Academic Training & Innovation Award will be presented in partnership with the 16th International Symposium on Digestive Physiology of Pigs (DPP) held May 20-23, 2025 in the United States. Along with recognition, the award winner will receive $7,500.
Award sponsors NOVUS and DPP aim to highlight the importance of swine academic leadership and innovation, ensuring the continued growth and advancement of the field.
Marisol Castillo, executive manager of Global Swine Solutions at NOVUS says DPP was the perfect partner for an award that supports swine scientists.
“DPP has the reputation of being a highly scientific conference. Its reputation for focusing on science instead of the more commercial aspects of the industry is a mirror of the environment the nominees are working in,” she says. “Our goal in creating this award – the first of its kind for the swine team at NOVUS – is to recognize the work academic scientists are doing. DPP is the perfect place to celebrate swine science.”
Thomas E. Burkey, Ph.D., a professor and associate dean in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the U.S., serves as president on the DPP-North America Board of Directors. He says the collaboration between NOVUS and DPP works due to a shared commitment to advancing scientific innovation and education in the swine industry.
“NOVUS has a strong history of supporting academic excellence and fostering the development of future leaders in animal science, particularly in areas like nutrition and physiology,” he says.
The award is open to educators around the world at higher education institutions who have made significant contributions to the academic and professional growth of undergraduate and/or graduate students in the fields of digestive physiology of pigs, and related fields such as swine nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, and nutrient metabolism.
“We’re seeking individuals who effectively integrate cutting-edge research into their teaching and training programs, utilizing innovative pedagogical approaches to engage students,” Burkey says. “Additionally, this individual should possess strong mentorship skills, inspiring students and colleagues alike, and fostering a collaborative learning environment that extends beyond the classroom. A hallmark of an ideal candidate is their ability to blend scientific rigor with practical applications that address current challenges in the pork industry and specifically, digestive physiology of pigs.”
Castillo echoes Burkey, saying ideal nominees are shaping the next generation of industry professionals.
“Their work in the classroom, on the farm, and in the lab could be the next step in solving the swine industry’s pains,” she says. “Their impact in the classroom is shaping the industry's future. We want to celebrate their efforts as well as grow our relationship with them.”
Burkey says winning the award goes beyond the monetary benefit.
“For the recipient, it validates their dedication to educating and mentoring students while also enhancing their professional standing and visibility within the academic and industry spheres,” he says. “The award underscores the vital role that academic leaders play in shaping future advancements through research and innovation.”
As for the scientific community, Burkey says this type of recognition highlights the importance of strong academic foundations, fostering collaboration, and inspiring others to prioritize educational excellence.
“It also serves as a catalyst for continued innovation, encouraging scientists and educators to explore new teaching methods and research initiatives that benefit the swine industry,” he says.
Nominations for the NOVUS Distinguished Academic Training & Innovation Award are due March 15, 2025. Those interested in applying or nominating someone for the award can find more information at dppigs.org/2025-Meeting/Novus-Academic-Award.
Held every three years, DPP is where the global science community comes together to understand the growth and development, immunology, microbiology, nutrition and digestive physiology of pigs.
February 10, 2025 - NOVUS
