Dr. Igor Canisso, associate professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, received the 2025 Theriogenologist of the Year award for his exceptional work in equine reproduction. The presentation was made on July 25 in Sacramento, California, by the American College of Theriogenologists (ACT).
Theriogenology is the branch of veterinary specialization that encompasses all aspects of animal reproduction. The award recognizes recent, outstanding contributions to the discipline, including mentorship, training, and furthering awareness of theriogenology. In the photo above, Dr. Canisso (center) receives the award from the incoming ACT president, Dr. Robyn Wilborn, and the outgoing ACT president, Dr. Dr. Brian Whitlock.
An announcement of the award noted, “Dr. Canisso has made significant strides in equine perinatology and subfertility in mares and stallions.
“He has published more than 150 research articles and is a sought-after educator, providing CE globally and serving as a mentor to theriogenology students. This award marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.”
In accepting the honor, Dr. Canisso said, “I never imagined that my childhood passion for breeding, calving, and foalings would bring me to this day. It’s amazing to think that a small-town country boy from Brazil like me would get this award in the greatest country from the top specialty college on the planet.”
Lifelong Interest in Animal Reproduction
Dr. Canisso grew up working with livestock and horses on his family’s farm in Brazil. He dates his interest in theriogenology to the time he saw pictures of an equine embryo and a cow’s uterus during a career day in the second grade.
After graduating from Federal University of Paraná College of Veterinary Medicine, he entered private practice briefly before pursing a master’s degree in animal reproductive biotechnology at Federal University of Viçosa. There he earned a reputation as a donkey reproduction specialist.
After completing a fellowship in equine reproduction in the United Kingdom, he entered a residency in theriogenology at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Dr. Canisso earned board certified in both the American College of Theriogenologists and the European College of Animal Reproduction.
A PhD from the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky followed.
In 2014, he joined the faculty of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Canisso is world-renowned as a speaker and consultant on high-end mares and stallions suffering from reproductive problems. His research interests focus on equine subfertility, perinatology, and reproductive biotechniques.
Gratitude for Those Who Supported His Career
In his remarks at the award presentation, Dr. Canisso noted his gratitude for the horse — “this wonderful animal” — that has allowed him to support his family and “learn so much about our planet, exploring its diverse equestrian cultures, disciplines, and horse nations.”
He thanked his family and his many mentors, mentees, colleagues, and “all the funding and educational institutions that have supported me throughout my journey.
“I want to extend special thanks to the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which has been my academic home and the center of my career.”
He also mention his late father, Antonio Canisso, whom he called, “my hero and idol,” who “guided and inspired me to achieve great things in my career.”
