Danish equine parasitologist Martin Krarup Nielsen, DVM, has been awarded one of the most prestigious awards of his country. Danish Minister of Science Helge Sander and Her Royal Highness Princess Mary of Denmark recently delivered the Young Elite Scientist Award at a ceremony in Copenhagen. The award comes with a $50,000 grant. It is given across all scientific disciplines, and has never before been given to an equine scientist.


Martin Krarup Nielsen

Dr. Martin Krarup Nielsen

“Unreal,” said Nielsen, who is presently stationed at the Gluck Equine Research Center at University of Kentucky as a part of his research program. “I knew of this award, but did not expect to be anywhere near a nomination.”

Nielsen’s research project is focused on equine worm control programs and development of diagnostic tools. He is particularly focused on the blood worm Strongylus vulgaris, considered the most pathogenic of all horse parasites.

Nielsen said he sees the award as a major encouragement for equine research. “In a hard competition with the beef, dairy, pork, and poultry industries, it is often extremely difficult to get funding for horse studies,” Nielsen said. “With this award, we have now received the highest recognition possible.”

Read a full description of the research project.

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