The University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center announced that Lisa Fortier, DVM, is among the 2022 inductees to their Equine Research Hall of Fame.

Over the past 30 years, Fortier, of Ithaca, N.Y., has garnered an international reputation for making significant contributions to research in equine joint disease, cartilage biology and regenerative medicine. She has focused her research on early diagnosis and treatment of equine orthopedic injuries to prevent permanent damage to joints and tendons.

Fortier is best known for her work in regenerative medicine, pioneering the use of biologics such as platelet rich plasma, bone marrow concentrate and stem cells for use in both horses and humans. Fortier’s lab has also been instrumental in breakthroughs related to cartilage damage diagnosis and clinical orthopedic work. A testament to her impact is that 87% of U.S. equine veterinarians now use biologics for regenerative medicine in their equine patients.

“In research, we always stand on the shoulders of those who go before us with great discoveries. This year’s recipients have made substantial contributions that will ensure an excellent future for equine research,” says Nancy Cox, University of Kentucky vice president for land-grant engagement and College of Agriculture, Food and Environment dean.

Fortier earned her bachelor’s degree and doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Colorado State University. She completed her residency at Cornell, where she also earned a PhD and she was a postdoctoral fellow in pharmacology. Fortier now holds the James Law Professor of Surgery position at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and also serves on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) Racetrack Safety Standing Committee.

Peers of the four individuals and past awardees nominated them for their outstanding achievements in equine research. Other than Fortier, the inductees are Katrin Hinrichs, Jennifer Anne Mumford and Stephen M. Reed.

“The success of Kentucky’s horse industry is inseparable from the decades of hard work by outstanding equine researchers,” says Stuart Brown, chairman of the Gluck Equine Research Foundation. “Though impossible to measure, it is a unique privilege to recognize the impact made by these four scientists in advancing the health and wellbeing of the horse and, on behalf of the entire equine community, show our appreciation.”

The award is an international forum to honor outstanding achievements in equine research and those who have made lasting benefits to equine health. To celebrate this legacy, the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Foundation will induct four scientists into the UK Equine Research Hall of Fame Oct. 26 at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky.