Morrison Swine Innovator Prize

The Morrison Swine Innovator Prize honors the legacy of Dr. Bob Morrison by inspiring DVM students to pursue work that matters for the swine industry and in doing so, to follow his mantra of “Learn, teach, and have fun.” It is part of a suite of initiatives launched by the College to serve the needs of tomorrow’s swine industry.

The objective of the prize is to inspire and support the next generation of swine veterinary industry leaders and to connect them to today’s top producers and veterinary clinics.

Application process for DVM students

Savannah Thomson stands in front of her presentation and demonstrates the height of something on a yard stick — Savannah Thomson gives her MSIP presentation during the 2024 Leman Swine Conference

How to apply:

NOW -- Work hard and be innovative this summer as you encounter challenges and opportunities to improve your veterinary skills for the benefit of swine health and production.

Before 11:59 PM CST on August 15, 2025 -- Submit your application (a 500 words/2,500 characters maximum abstract + supplementary materials as needed, for example: video, audio, website link, photos) for the Morrison Swine Innovator Prize. Strive to include an innovative thread running through your project design and application.

August 30, 2025 -- The review panel will notify the applicants selected as finalists and give them instructions for presenting their work at the 2025 Allen D. Leman Conference in St. Paul, MN on September 21nd, 2025. Each of the finalists receives a $1,000 stipend, free registration to the Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, and a copy of Diseases of Swine, 12th Edition.

September 21, 2025 -- The finalists will present their work during the Sunday afternoon pre-conference session at the Allen D. Leman Swine Conference in St. Paul, MN.

September 22, 2025 -- The 2025 Morrison Swine Innovator Prize winner is announced and awarded $5,000.

We invite you to showcase your innovation by applying for the 2025 Morrison Swine Innovator Prize.

Goals of the Morrison Swine Innovator Prize

To honor Dr. Morrison’s legacy of doing work that matters for the swine industry and his mantra by inspiring innovative thinking and problem solving among veterinary students.
To expose DVM students to the swine industry to encourage them to specialize in swine.
To provide opportunities for the next generation of swine veterinary leaders to network with producers, veterinary clinics, allied industry, and among each other.
To provide companies and veterinary practices with a platform to demonstrate their leadership in the industry and their commitment to education and innovation.

Dr. Morrison: From the University of Minnesota to global impact on the swine industry

Dr. Bob Morrison was an internationally recognized leader in the swine industry. He was instrumental in the completion of pseudorabies eradication in the US, lead the first PRRS regional control and elimination program, launched the Swine Health Monitoring Program in 2011, and coordinated two major swine conferences: the Allen D. Leman Swine Conference held in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the Leman China Conference.

Throughout his 30 years as a professor at the University of Minnesota, Bob demonstrated his passion for education, pursued work that was relevant for the swine industry, and impersonated his mantra of “learn, teach, and have fun.” His passion for bringing experienced and talented people together to share knowledge created excellent learning opportunities for DVM students.