chroeder’s innovative virology research is advancing biosecurity, pollinator health, and global food systems.
eclan Schroeder, professor in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), has been named the recipient of the 2025 Mark of Excellence Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to virology research in animal and agricultural systems.
A faculty member at the University of Minnesota since 2018, Schroeder is internationally recognized for his work on viral ecology, evolution, and detection. His research spans diverse systems, including seaweed, swine, and honeybees, and centers on understanding viral diversity and its implications for animal health and food security.
“Declan is innovative, and his experience and out-of-the-box thinking have led him to position himself as a key collaborator with industry and scientific partners,” says Montserrat Torremorell, chair of the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, who nominated Schroeder. “He has significantly contributed toward the solutions to complex problems associated with economically devastating viruses in the U.S. and global agriculture.”
Among Schroeder’s most influential contributions is his team’s role in confirming that deformed wing virus (DWV), in association with the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, is responsible for mass mortality in honey bee colonies worldwide. He also co-discovered a marine algal virus (Emiliania huxleyi or EhV) that shares evolutionary traits with African swine fever virus (ASFV), a deadly disease that has devastated swine populations globally.. That discovery led to the use of EhV as a safe surrogate for ASFV in research and resulted in two patent filings.
In addition to his scientific contributions, Schroeder is a dedicated mentor and collaborator. Since joining the U of M, he has played a key role in securing more than $7 million in funding across 28 research grants and is widely sought after by academic and industry partners alike. His recent work developing advanced PCR tests that measure virus viability is already reshaping feed safety and disease prevention in livestock.
“Strong collaborations have molded me into the scientist that I am, from the mentorship I received during my first undergraduate project to the team science that I do today across many disciplines,” Schroeder says. “For me, this award honors the fact that team science has been transformative both personally and professionally, and is the true foundation to success.”
Schroeder will be recognized at the 2025 RIDE Summit on July 16 and will present his research at the February 2026 RIDE Seminar, held from noon–1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
