Reuben Mapletoft
Distinguished Researcher Award - Fall 2003
The Distinguished Researcher Award recognizes a faculty member's contribution to scholarship through the creation, expansion and critique of knowledge. The University has selected Dr. Reuben Mapletoft of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) as the Fall 2003 recipient of this award.
Dr. Mapletoft earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (1967) at the University of Guelph. He achieved both his Master's degree (1975) and Ph.D. (1977) in Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology at the University of Wisconsin. He moved back to his native Saskatchewan in 1977 to accept an associate professorship in the Department of Clinical Studies at the WCVM.
He is a member of the department of large animal clinical sciences and served as department head for two years. In addition to his research, he has provided clinical instruction concerning both cattle and companion animals in the veterinarian teaching hospital at the College, which involves both routine and emergency clinical duties.
Dr. Mapletoft is world renowned for his work in bovine embryo transfer, ovulation synchronization and superovulation. He has been instrumental in developing the embryo transfer industry in Canada and around the world. His embryo transfer protocols have become the de facto standard for clinical use worldwide.
He patented a substance that replaces serum in cryopreservation procedures used when transporting embryos. He also developed a drug to induce superovulation in cattle, as well as the first practical method to synchronize estrous cycles. These developments allow increased embryo production in superior animals and allow producers to schedule artificial insemination.
An acknowledged expert in reproductive endocrinology and physiology, Dr. Mapletoft is much sought after as a speaker on the international stage. He has given over 30 invited lectures and conference presentations in North America, South America, Europe and Africa. He has contributed nearly 300 papers to published conference proceedings, and authored more than 100 papers in scholarly journals.
He has brought over $5.75 million dollars in research funding to the U of S through grants from both federal and provincial governments, plus industry associations and private corporations.
An enthusiastic mentor, Dr. Mapletoft transfers his knowledge and thirst for discovery through training local graduate students and those from abroad. He also provides training on embryo transfer to practising veterinarians, and has held over a dozen workshops to teach the techniques to more than 200 veterinary professionals. His advice is regularly sought by producers, veterinarians and researchers, both at home in Canada and around the world.
Dr. Mapletoft has set international standards for scientists and veterinarians. His work has led to viable embryo transfer technologies to help improve cattle genetics on every continent. His efforts and enthusiasm speak well, both for him and for the university. He is highly deserving of this award.
