Norwegian University of Life Sciences

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is a faculty at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). The faculty is the only affiliated veterinary school in Norway. The high level of research-based teaching at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine produces top quality graduates and carries out extensive research in veterinary medicine and related biomedical fields. The Faculty maintains close research collaboration with most National breeding organizations. In 2021, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine moved into a new €600 million state-of-the-art building at Ås Campus, which takes 16 minutes to get to by train from central Oslo.

Prof. Ian Mayer

My research interests include fish reproductive endocrinology/physiology, aquaculture and fish welfare, and ecotoxicology. I have actively participated in research projects in the following areas:

  • Neuroendocrine control of seasonal reproductive cycles in fish, in particular the control of early sexual (¨precocious¨) maturation in salmonids.

  • Hormonal control of fish reproductive behaviour

  • The physiological role of the pineal organ/melatonin in the control of seasonal physiological rhythms.

  • Aquatic toxicology - development and validation of biomarkers for environmental androgens and estrogens.

  • Environmental impact of oil contaminants on aquatic wildlife.

  • Aquaculture and fish welfare.

Prof. Anette Kristine Krogenæs

I have worked within the field of reproduction of production- and companion animals since 1988, both with teaching of veterinary students and research. I have long experience in clinical reproductive work in different species, including both gynecology and andrology in addition to work related to in vitro embryo production.
My research fields the last years:

  1. Embryo loss in Norwegian Red Cattle with special emphasis on genetic reasons and subclinical endometritis.

  2. Embryo technology with special emphasis on in vitro maturation of oocytes, in vitro fertilization and in vitro culture of porcine embryos

  3. Fertility differences in different ewe breeds based on cervical morphology and gene expression in addition to cervical mucus properties.

Prof. Irma Caroline Oskam

Wide experienced, positive and collective leader with a strong academic record and interest in strategic management. I am motivated by professional interest and ambition to deliver the maximum. As a researcher with broad- and long experience in the field of veterinary- and agriculture sciences and biotechnology, I am profoundly interested in the creation of sustainable values within agriculture and the support of global human health dependent on plants and animals.

Besides being the leader of NMBUs livestock research farm, I am still active as a researcher. As qualified professor in the field of reproductive biology and biotechnology and with broad experience within Livestock- and human IVF technologies, including cryopreservation of gametes and ovarian tissue. My wide national- and international network within educational- and research institutions is valuable in my daily position as department director of Norway’s largest educational- and research facilities within production animals and agriculture, thus bringing science and innovation closer to society, policymakers and industrial stakeholders.

The Livestock Production Research Centre is part of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences where research, education and innovation provide best animal Health and Welfare in close contact with human environment. As a researcher I am currently involved in the following projects: Smartfarming (infrastructure), Holoruminants (H2020), 3D Omics (H2020), Optimization of Embryo Production in Norwegian cattle breeds (NFR).

Dr. Amin Sayyari

I graduated as a veterinarian and have experience in clinical practice, research, and teaching. After achieving a Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine from NMBU, I incorporated my experiences into innovative approaches within reproductive biotechnology. I specialize in fertility research and investigating how environmental factors influence reproductive health from a comparative standpoint. Employing state-of-the-art techniques for gamete assessment, cryopreservation, and in vitro fertilization (IVF), I comprehensively analyze gamete function across diverse research fields.

Academic Disciplines:

  • Veterinary Medicine

  • Reproduction

  • Toxicology

  • Andrology

Proficiencies & Expertise:

  • Experimental Design

  • Animal Modeling

  • Gamete Collection, Evaluation, and Cryopreservation

  • Artificial Insemination and IVF

  • Ultrasound Applications in Reproductive Medicine

  • Animal Behavior

  • Swine Health and Welfare

Dr. Silje Modahl Johanson

During my Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine at NMBU, I focused on the effects of persistent organic pollutants on colorectal cancer and reproductive organ development. I am currently involved in research projects investigating the relationships between processed foods and colorectal cancer. In more detail, I use in vivo models to investigate the carcinogenic potential of various experimental diets coupled with impacts on metabolite composition (metabolomics) and microbiota. I am currently employed as a postdoctoral research fellow and a project manager in the CryoStore Doctoral Network.