By Andi Anderson
Purdue University continues to lead in agricultural innovation as three faculty members from the College of Veterinary Medicine receive the prestigious 2025 AgSEED grants. The Agricultural Science and Extension for Economic Development (AgSEED) program, part of Purdue Agriculture, funds projects that strengthen Indiana’s agriculture and rural development.
This year, 17 recipients, including three from Veterinary Medicine, were selected for $50,000 one-year grants to support their pioneering research.
Recognized Projects
Urinary Cortisol for Equine Diagnosis
Dr. François-René Bertin’s research focuses on using urinary cortisol levels to enhance diagnostics for equine pituitary disorders, aiming to improve horse health outcomes.
Innovative Immunocontraceptive Vaccine
Dr. Harm HogenEsch is developing a novel vaccine to manage wild pig populations, addressing ecological and agricultural damage caused by these animals.
Rapid Diagnostics for Mycoplasmosis
Dr. Viju Vijayan Pillai is creating a quick, on-site test for detecting mycoplasmosis in bison, supporting disease management in these animals.
Funding and Goals
AgSEED grants are funded through Indiana’s Crossroads program, reflecting the state’s commitment to advancing agriculture and rural development. These grants serve as seed money, enabling researchers to establish solid foundations for impactful projects. Faculty from Purdue’s Colleges of Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, and Health and Human Sciences are eligible for the program.
This initiative highlights Purdue University’s dedication to fostering innovation in agriculture, supporting researchers who contribute to Indiana’s leadership in plant and animal sciences and rural development.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
Categories: Indiana, Education