The Walter Frei Fund supports excellence in veterinary medical research and presents the Walter Frei Prize every two to three years. The award includes prize money of up to CHF 20,000 and is conferred by the Vetsuisse Faculty at the University of Zurich.
Named in honor of Professor Walter Frei, former Director of the Institute of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Zurich, the prize was first awarded in 1979 by the original Walter Frei Foundation. Since 2025, it has been continued under the umbrella of the UZH Foundation as the Walter Frei Fund.
The prize includes an invitation to deliver the Walter Frei Guest Lecture at the University of Zurich, in addition to the monetary award. It honors exceptional researchers who have made significant scientific contributions to the field of veterinary medicine.
The Advisory Board of the Walter Frei Fund is composed of the following members:
Prof. Dr. Roger Stephan, Dean of the Vetsuisse Faculty at UZH (Chair)
Prof. Dr. Nicole Borel, Vice Dean for Research, Vetsuisse Faculty at UZH
Dr. Alex Rübel, President of UZH Alumni, former Director of Zurich Zoo
The Vetsuisse Faculty at the University of Zurich is awarding the 2025 Walter Frei Prize to Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Baumgärtner in recognition of his internationally acclaimed research on neuropathological diseases relevant to veterinary medicine, as well as his work on animal models of numerous — often zoonotic — viral infections. His research has played a vital role in redefining and strengthening the position of veterinary pathology within today’s highly specialized and increasingly interdisciplinary research landscape.
2023 Prof. Dr. Frank Møller Aarestrup
In recognition of his research that significantly contributed to international standards for the detection and monitoring of antibiotic resistance, fundamentally shaping how antimicrobial agents are used worldwide.
2020 Prof. Dr. Stefan Schwarz
For his substantial contributions to the understanding of mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and their global dissemination in animals and humans.
2018 Prof. Dr. Eckhard Wolf
For his pioneering work on embryo–maternal communication in domestic animals and the development of genetically tailored large animal models for translational medical research.
2015 Dr. Lothar H. Wieler
For his important work on bacterial zoonotic pathogens, particularly in elucidating the mechanisms that enable bacteria to infect multiple host species.
2013 Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Löscher
For his major contributions to veterinary pharmacology, especially in the field of epilepsy research.
2010 Prof. Dr. Dr. habil. Georg Baljer
For his outstanding achievements in researching Escherichia coli–related diseases in animals and his contributions to modern classification and diagnostics in this area.
2010 Prof. Dr. Hannu J. Korkeala
For his exceptional contributions to food hygiene and for advancing the field on an international level.
2008 Prof. Dr. Dr. H.C. Gottfried Brem
For his achievements in animal breeding and biotechnology in animal production, as well as his commitment to supporting young researchers.
2007 Prof. Dr. Manfred Reinacher
For his significant contributions to veterinary pathology, particularly in the study of viral diseases in cats.
