Jens Häggström and Ingrid Ljungvall are world-leading profiles within veterinary cardiology. By merging clinical activities with research, they have developed knowledge of how heart diseases in cats and dogs can be diagnosed, treated and prevented. Their research has also had an impact on breeding practices thanks to increasing knowledge about hereditary heart diseases.
“I was very happy when I received the news, and it is a tremendous honor to receive an award like this. It is a great recognition of the research we have had the privilege of conducting here at SLU over the years, together with collaborators in Sweden and internationally, and not least with all the animals and their owners who have contributed to our research”, says Ingrid Ljungvall.
“It is a great pleasure and an honour to receive this distinguished and prestigious award. To me, the award is a recognition of the value of long-term clinical research, where questions that arise in our encounters with patients can develop into research that generates new knowledge and, ultimately, can contribute to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and care of animals around the world”, says Jens Häggström.
Ingrid Ljungvall is a professor in One Health with a focus on comparative medicine. Jens Häggström is a professor of internal medicine for companion animals. They both work at the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala.
The Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine was established in 2024. It is presented annually by SLU in collaboration with Agria Pet Insurance. The prize awards pioneering research contributions to veterinary medicine and animal health and welfare.
Research that has changed the way we care for animals with heart disease
Heart diseases are common among cats and dogs and can be serious. Jens Häggström and Ingrid Ljungvall have combined research and clinical practice to increase knowledge of these diseases and improve the care of the animals affected.
Their research has helped advance diagnostic methods and treatment procedures in veterinary medicine worldwide. In addition, they have developed methods for clinical trials and contributed to the establishment of guidelines for treating heart diseases.
The genetics behind heart diseases are an additional significant component of their research. By increasing awareness of which diseases are hereditary and how they are passed on, they have created a better basis for prevention work and healthier breeding practices in cats and dogs.
Their research has also contributed to the development of comparative medicine, where knowledge of diseases in different species can be assessed alongside each other to better understand their causes and progression.
Häggström and Ljungvall have published over one hundred scientific articles each, and their research has had major international reach. They are continuing to develop the field through international collaborations and new methods in areas such as genomics and artificial intelligence.
SLU Vice-Chancellor Maria Knutson Wedel explains,
"The Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine recognises exceptional research in the Nordic countries that makes a real difference to animal health and welfare. We are delighted that the award has been established. Veterinary medical research often reaches far beyond the Nordic region, generating knowledge that can also benefit human health. The jury’s choice of this year’s award recipients highlights what can be achieved when basic research and clinical practice are brought together, which is especially encouraging."
“Swedish veterinary research is making a significant international impact and is of great importance to dogs and cats with heart disease far beyond Sweden's borders. Congratulations to both researchers - their achievements are truly impressive and groundbreaking!" says David Haak, CEO at Agria.
The award will be presented at a ceremony at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala on 25 November.
The jury’s motivation
The 2026 Award for Outstanding Research in Veterinary Medicine has been presented to Professor Jens Häggström and Professor Ingrid Ljungvall at SLU for their pioneering interdisciplinary research, clinical innovations and international leadership within the field of clinical veterinary cardiology. Heart disease is a common and often serious condition amongst cats and dogs.
Häggström and Ljungvall have created a strong and synergistic clinical and research partnership that has significantly advanced our understanding of cardiac disease. Their work has extended the lives of numerous companion animals and goes well beyond national borders and species boundaries.
Contact information
Jens Häggström, Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences, +46 18 67 21 24, jens.haggstrom@slu.se
Ingrid Ljungvall, Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences, +46 18 67 13 38, ingrid.ljungvall@slu.se
Nils Fall, chair of the award committee and SLU professor, +46 18 67 13 69, nils.fall@slu.se
Pernilla Melander, Head of PR, Agria Pet Insurance, +46 70 579 31 11, pernilla.melander@agria.se
