Professors Jens Häggström and Ingrid Ljungvall have been awarded the 2026 Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine for their significant contributions to diagnosing, treating, and preventing heart disease in companion animals. Their work, rooted in real-life clinical encounters, highlights nearly 20 years of collaboration at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).
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Their research is driven by the challenges they observe in everyday veterinary practice, where they analyze health issues affecting dogs and cats. Ingrid, a professor of One Health specializing in comparative medicine, and Jens, a professor of internal medicine for companion animals, utilize their roles at SLU’s Department of Clinical Sciences to combine research with clinical practice.
Jens initially sought broad clinical experience before delving into veterinary cardiology, which combines various medical fields. His background includes a decade of combining research at SLU University Animal Hospital with hands-on clinical work. Ingrid also pursued her passion for cardiology shortly after graduating, eventually blending her clinical practice and research.
Their approach to research is circular: it begins with observing health issues in animals and conversations with their owners, leading to investigations about disease prevalence, early detection, and effective treatments. Notably, the EPIC trial demonstrated that the heart medication pimobendan could positively alter the course of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs, revolutionizing treatment protocols worldwide.
Ingrid's pivotal moment came with the discovery relating dietary amino acid content to the development of heart muscle disease in dogs, suggesting that proper nutrition could be crucial for prevention. Additionally, their research into hereditary components of cardiovascular disease has informed breeding practices, particularly in breeds predisposed to these conditions.
Their collaborative efforts also assist initiatives such as an international program screening feline cardiomyopathy, which has significantly reduced the prevalence of the disease in purebred cats. They've conducted multiple drug trials and have developed practical diagnostic tools and home-monitoring techniques that empower owners to detect health issues early in their pets.
Their work bridges veterinary medicine with broader health implications through comparative studies that examine disease similarities across species, with potential insights for human medicine. Both researchers emphasize the mutual benefits that arise from this cross-disciplinary approach.
Their partnership has evolved from a mentor-mentee relationship into a strong collaboration, allowing them to tackle numerous projects together. For them, the motivation for their work stems from the impact of heart disease on animals and their owners, driving their desire to improve health outcomes for pets.
The award honors both researchers and acknowledges their collective contributions, underscoring the support they received from colleagues, students, and families. The ceremony to present the award will take place at SLU in Uppsala on November 25, 2026.