A Landmark 20th ICAR Congress in Obihiro
Hosted in Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan, this week's International Congress on Animal Reproduction (ICAR) was a landmark in many senses. Since the first ICAR congress in 1948, researchers and practitioners from all over the world have come together in this setting to present and discuss research on the many different aspects of animal reproduction in domestic and wild species, forming an important link between the academic and the practical world of animal breeding and preservation.
In Obihiro, the ICAR community celebrated its 20th congress with a record number of more than 1,100 participants — a great statement in favor of the continuing relevance of animal reproduction and of the host country, Japan.
An inspiring opening ceremony
The congress opened with an inspiring ceremony. Akio Miya, lead of the local organizing team, welcomed the participants, while a large brass band of the Hokkaido Obihiro Ryokuyo High School set the tone with superbly interpreted, harmonious songs.
Following a welcoming speech by the Mayor of Obihiro, ICAR president Matthew Lucy extended his greetings, emphasizing the importance of the ICAR not only as a platform to exchange and discuss research results, but also in bringing together people from many different countries — deepening understanding and friendship, and thereby contributing to democracy and peaceful communication.
The Simmet Prize for Assisted Reproduction
The Simmet Prize Ceremony followed, led by former ICAR president and head of the prize committee, Fulvio Gandolfi.
Endowed with 50,000 Euro and awarded by Minitube International, the prize is presented every four years during the ICAR congress to a recognized researcher and commemorates the pioneering work of Dr. Ludwig Simmet in assisted animal reproduction.
The ICAR prize committee selects the awardee based on the significance of the research topics, the breadth and depth of the research, the originality of the published work, and the impact on assisted animal reproduction in practice.
2026 Awardee: Peter J. Hansen
The 2026 awardee is Peter J. Hansen, Distinguished Professor and L.E. "Red" Larson Professor at the Department of Animal Sciences of the University of Florida and the University of Florida Genetics Institute.
In an appreciative speech, Christian Simmet warmly congratulated Peter Hansen and paid tribute to the legacy of his father, Ludwig Simmet, before handing over the prize.
The congress participants, who had almost filled the 1,000-seat audience, celebrated Dr. Hansen with well-deserved standing ovations.
