MADISON- Oliver J. Ginther, DVM, PhD, Professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, was presented the Pioneer Award at the International Embryo Transfer Society's (IETS) 38th Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, January 9, 2012, for his contributions to the development of embryo transfer technology.
The IETS Pioneer Award recognizes early contributors to the development of embryo transfer technology and the embryo transfer industry. When presenting the award to Dr. Ginther, the IETS committee noted, “There can be no doubt of the importance of Dr. Ginther’s pioneering contributions to the practice of embryo transfer and to our basic understanding of reproductive biology. We can think of no one who is more deserving of recognition for his body of work over a long and distinguished career.”
Ginther is recognized for the development of many techniques, including his work on ultrasonography and the study of ovarian function in cattle and, in particular, horses. He is the sole author of five text and reference books currently used worldwide by scientists, students and veterinarians. He has served as major research advisor for more than 75 graduate and postdoctoral students, many of whom have become leaders in reproductive biology.
Ginther has an impressive list of more than 500 scientific publications and has been recognized by his peers through the receipt of numerous awards and honors. His career has spanned 50 years and now in his 80s, he remains an extremely productive and relevant scientist. The IETS committee stated, “He has been a pioneer in the truest sense through his early discoveries of the role of utero-ovarian veno-arterial pathways in the control of luteal function, foundational characterization of the reproductive biology of the mare, development and use of ultrasonography for the study of reproductive processes in several species, and most recently his contributions that have culminated in a comprehensive, yet very simple theory of follicle selection and dominance in monovular species. He has followed the principles of the scientific approach in a way to which we may all aspire; i.e. he has made keen observations, developed testable hypotheses, designed incisive experiments and derived objective results. His creative approach has and will continue to influence hypothesis testing and experimental design in reproductive biology for many years.”
Ginther received his PhD (1967) at UW-Madison, a BSc from Pennsylvania State (1958), and his Veterinary Medical Doctorate degree (1961) from the University of Pennsylvania.
