Dr. Thimmasettappa Thippeswamy, a professor of biomedical sciences at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence. The honor recognizes his contributions to veterinary science, translational research, teaching, and the development of innovative approaches to education.
Thippeswamy has been part of the Iowa State University faculty since 2012 and currently holds the W. Eugene and Linda R. Lloyd Endowed Chair in Veterinary Medicine. Over the course of his academic career, he has worked to advance research in translational neurotoxicology while also contributing to curriculum development and virtual learning initiatives.
A major focus of his research is epilepsy, an area in which he has pursued research aimed at improving understanding of neurological disorders and their potential treatments. His recent receipt of a National Institutes of Health U01 award further reflects the significance of his work. The competitive funding program supports collaborative and translational research designed to move scientific discoveries toward practical applications.
Since 2017, Thippeswamy has served as principal investigator on six NIH-funded neurotoxicity research projects, receiving a combined $6.92 million in funding. The support has enabled continued investigation into neurological conditions and toxicological mechanisms with potential implications for human and animal health.
His accomplishments extend beyond the laboratory. Thippeswamy has earned recognition for his approach to teaching veterinary anatomy, with students highlighting his commitment to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. In 2017, students at the College of Veterinary Medicine selected him for the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teaching Award.
The following year, he received the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching. He has also been honored with a Miller Teaching Fellowship from Iowa State University, adding to a record that combines scientific research with academic mentorship.
Thippeswamy is also a Fellow of the American Epilepsy Society, reflecting his standing within the epilepsy research community. His career has included academic experience in both the United States and United Kingdom.
His educational journey began in India, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Agricultural Sciences. He later completed a PhD in neuroscience at the University of Liverpool in England and subsequently served on the university’s faculty.
The Zoetis award adds another distinction to a career built around research, education, and scientific collaboration. His recognition also highlights the international impact of researchers trained across different academic systems who go on to contribute to advanced biomedical and veterinary research in the United States.
