Friederike Pohlin receives William R. Lance Award

At this year’s Wildlife Disease Association Conference in Chicago, USA, renowned wildlife veterinarian Friederike Pohlin was honored with the inaugural William R. Lance Award. The accolade recognizes her scientific excellence and innovative contributions to the safe, humane immobilization and anesthesia of wildlife, as well as her commitment to international collaboration. The selection committee recognized two early-career professionals; alongside Pohlin, Jacopo Morelli was also honored.

Photo: Friederike Pohlin

At the Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology (FIWI) at Vetmeduni, Pohlin conducts research at the interface of wildlife anesthesia, animal welfare, and conservation, exploring how interventions in wildlife management and translocations can be carried out as safely and humanely as possible. A particular focus of her work is on rhinoceroses and other large wild mammals. She investigates physiological stress responses during capture and transport and uses novel monitoring methods to precisely record respiration, cardiovascular function, and other physiological changes during anesthesia and translocation. The goal is to translate these findings directly into practice and measurably improve existing anesthesia and translocation protocols.

Recognition for innovation and collaboration

In its rationale, the selection committee highlighted the scientific caliber and innovative approach of Pohlin’s research. It also commended the international collaborations she has established and her concrete contributions to improving animal welfare in wildlife management.

Vetmeduni extends its warmest congratulations!

About the William R. Lance Award

The William R. Lance Award commemorates Dr. William R. Lance, a pioneer of safe and humane wildlife capture, handling, immobilization, and anesthesia. The prize is aimed at early-career professionals who impress with innovative research in this field and who foster international collaboration. The award is jointly sponsored by the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians (AAWV), the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV), the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM), and the Wildlife Disease Association (WDA).

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