AAEP Bestows Research Award Upon Renowned Theriogenologist
By: Sally Baker
The American Association of Equine Practitioners presented the 2020 AAEP Research Award to Katrin Hinrichs, DVM, Ph.D., DACT, whose pioneering research in the field of equine assisted reproductive techniques (ART) has transformed the state of equine reproductive practice around the world.
The AAEP Research Award recognizes an individual who has completed research that has or will make a significant impact on the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of equine disease. Dr. Hinrichs was recognized Dec. 9 during the AAEP’s 2020 Annual Convention & Trade Show, held virtually.
A veterinary graduate of University of California, Davis in 1978, Dr. Hinrichs is the chair of the Department of Clinical Studies at New Bolton Center and the Dr. Harry Werner Endowed Professor of Equine Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She joined Penn Vet in March 2020 after 22 years at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
As a leading international authority in equine ART, Dr. Hinrichs has significantly advanced understanding of equine oocyte development, fertilization and early embryonic development. This foundational knowledge led her lab to develop and report on major advances that have revolutionized equine assisted reproduction, including oocyte retrieval, in vitro oocyte maturation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, in vitro embryo development, preimplantation diagnosis and somatic cell nuclear transfer.
“Over a career distinguished by hundreds of scientific publications and awards, Dr. Hinrichs has revolutionized the field of equine theriogenology through her work with equine gametes and embryos,” said nominator Dr. Lisa Metcalf. “Her research has preserved a world of valuable genetic lines in horses for veterinarians and horse owners alike.”
In addition to her extensive publishing history, Dr. Hinrichs has mentored or trained 135 graduate students, residents, interns and visiting scholars. Among her previous awards for research are the 2016 Simmet Prize for Assisted Reproduction from the International Congress of Animal Reproduction, 2015 Regents Professor Award from Texas A&M University, 2003 Theriogenologist of the Year from the American College of Theriogenologists, and Doctor Honoris Causa from University of Copenhagen, Denmark in 2007.
About AAEP
The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.
About Penn Vet
Ranked among the top ten veterinary schools worldwide, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) is a global leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, Penn Vet is the first veterinary school developed in association with a medical school. The school is a proud member of the One Health initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health.
Penn Vet serves a diverse population of animals at its two campuses, which include extensive diagnostic and research laboratories. Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia provides care for dogs, cats, and other domestic/companion animals, handling nearly 35,300 patient visits a year. New Bolton Center, Penn Vet’s large-animal hospital on nearly 700 acres in rural Kennett Square, PA, cares for horses and livestock/farm animals. The hospital handles nearly 5,300 patient visits a year, while the Field Service treats more than 38,000 patients at local farms. In addition, New Bolton Center’s campus includes a swine center, working dairy, and poultry unit that provide valuable research for the agriculture industry.
