Saskia Dreyer: Ippen winner 2025

Congratulations to Saskia Dreyer for winning the 2025 Rudolf Ippen Young Scientist Award honouring a young scientist whose scientific output, particularly the papers published in the past 12 months, document the beginning of a promising career in wildlife veterinary science, conservation medicine or  zoo animal medicine.

The decision was not easy and the jury had a lively discussion. The jury wrote: "Saskia has established herself as a dedicated and skilled zoo and wildlife veterinarian, earning her national specialist qualification in 2023 after years of hands-on work in leading German zoos. Alongside her clinical responsibilities, she is actively engaged in research, focusing on ophthalmosonography in bottlenose dolphins, a project aimed at enhancing marine mammal care and welfare. Her commitment to advancing veterinary science has been recognized through research grants and awards, and she regularly contributes to the field through presentations, mentoring, and collaboration with experts across Europe. Saskia’s achievements exemplify the spirit of innovation and dedication honoured by this prestigious award."  

Saskia studies veterinary medicine in Giessen Germany. In her dissertation she looked into the topic: Ophthalmic ultrasonography in Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) under human care - Normal and pathological findings. In 2019 she became an assistant veterinarian at "Der grüne Zoo" Wuppertal and went on to become the intermin head veterinarian in Wuppertal, before moving on to be the head veterinarian at the Zoom Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen in 2023. She has been an active member in our organization since 2018.

Saskia, we wish you all the best for your future career and look forward hearing and reading from you!