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The 2026 ABCD Young Scientist Award, funded by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, has been awarded to Dr Giulia Donato (34), lecturer at the University of Messina and the University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro. She received the award at the World Feline Congress, held in Wales on 27 June.
Collecting data on morbillivirus, Leptospira and Leishmania in cats
Giulia’s research focuses on the epidemiology, clinical impact and translational relevance of emerging feline infectious diseases in Southern Italy, viewed through a One Health lens. She explains: ‘this multidisciplinary approach combining molecular diagnostics, epidemiology and clinical pathology has generated original data on three poorly explored pathogens: feline morbillivirus (FeMV), Leptospira spp. and Leishmania infantum. This work has helped clarify their prevalence, risk factors and linicopathological significance in cats.
Contributing to One Health
Professor Margaret Hosie, President of the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), congratulated the laureate, noting that ‘Giulia’s research will help advance current knowledge on emerging feline pathogens, with direct implications for clinical practice, disease surveillance and public health.’
Dr Jean-Philippe Tronel, Head of Global Technical Services for Pet Vaccines at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, added: ‘We are delighted to see Giulia receive this well-deserved award. Her work cannot be more aligned with the essence of the Young Scientist Award and the long-standing partnership between the ABCD and Boehringer Ingelheim: Innovative, outstanding and from a promising young professional. Supporting independent research and helping early-career scientists develop their potential are important commitments for Boehringer Ingelheim.’
Created in 2008, the Young Scientist Award is presented annually to young scientists in veterinary or biomedical sciences who have made an original contribution to the field of feline infectious diseases and/or immunology.
Photo captions:
1. From left, ABCD members Andrea Spiri and Séverine Tasker; Giulia Donato (winner of the ABCD and Boehringer Ingelheim Young Scientist Award 2026); Jean-Philippe Tronel (Boehringer Ingelheim) and Margaret Hosie (ABCD President). ©Photo iCatCare
2. Winner of the ABCD and Boehringer Ingelheim Young Scientist Award 2026 Giulia Donato during her presentation at the World Feline Congress. For further information, please contact Karin de Lange, ABCD secretary, karin@abcdcatsvets.org
Notes to Editors:
The European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) is an independent panel of leading veterinarians from eleven European countries, with an expertise in immunology, vaccinology and/or feline medicine. The ABCD was set up to compile guidelines for the prevention and management of major feline infectious diseases in Europe, based on current scientific knowledge. For more information, please visit www.abcdcatsvets.org
Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health, focusing on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, BI takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Its approximately 54,300 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.
