The University of Minnesota (UMN) College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is proud to announce Jaime Modiano as the recipient of the 2026 Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence. A world-renowned leader in comparative oncology, Modiano is being recognized for three decades of groundbreaking work that bridges the gap between animal and human cancer research.

As the Alvin and June Perlman Endowed Chair in Animal Oncology and the director of the Animal Cancer Care and Research Program at CVM, Modiano has dedicated his career to a singular, ambitious goal: fundamentally changing the way we fight cancer by moving away from reactive treatments and toward proactive prevention. He describes, “Our goal isn't just to treat cancer after it takes hold, but to understand the environment that allows it to grow so we can stop it before it ever starts.”

Modiano’s lab is the birthplace of what has become known as “The Minnesota Solution to Cancer.” This innovative approach focuses on identifying dogs at the highest risk for aggressive cancers—such as hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and lymphoma—and using targeted interventions to eliminate cancer-prone cells before tumors can form.

His signature projects, including the Shine On, COED, and LyRA studies, have the potential to transform early detection. By pairing these risk-assessment tests with novel treatments like eBAT—a drug designed to target the specific environments where cancer thrives—Modiano is providing a roadmap for a future where cancer is managed as a preventable condition rather than a terminal diagnosis.

“Dr. Modiano’s research is revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of canine cancer,” says Kelly Makielski, CVM assistant professor and a one of Modiano’s frequent collaborators. “By pairing risk assessment with proactive interventions, he is creating a new standard of care that has a profound impact on both veterinary and human medicine.”

Modiano remains a passionate advocate for the idea that "cancer is cancer," regardless of the species it affects. By studying naturally occurring cancers in dogs, his work provides vital clues that accelerate the development of life-saving treatments for humans.

With over 160 peer-reviewed publications and nearly 10,000 citations, Dr. Modiano’s influence extends far beyond the University. In 2024, he was invited to speak at the prestigious Aspen Ideas Health Festival, where he shared his vision for comparative oncology with a global audience of health innovators and policy leaders.

Despite his high-profile research, Modiano is equally celebrated for his role as a mentor. He has guided dozens of researchers throughout their careers, from grade schoolers to  veterinary students to junior faculty, fostering an environment that encourages both rigorous scientific inquiry and independent discovery.

“The most rewarding part of this work is seeing students take these ideas and push them even further,” says Modiano. “The future of oncology is in very capable hands.”

Modiano will be formally recognized at the 2026 Research Innovation, Discovery, and Education (RIDE) Summit on June 17.