The University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Stout as Albert G. Clay Endowed Chair in Equine Reproduction. He will officially assume his new role this fall.

“I am excited about coming to work with the vibrant and forward-thinking horse breeding community in and around Lexington,” Stout said. “The combination of great facilities and scientists at the UK with top-of-the-bill breeding farms and veterinary practices means that Lexington presents unique opportunities to drive excellence in equine reproductive management.”

The endowed chair position was established in 1986 through an agreement with Albert G. Clay of Fairway Farm. Since that time, it has become recognized as a conduit for excellence in equine reproduction research at UK. 

“As many of our equine stakeholders know, this is an extremely high priority position for this region, as our reproductive success drives the industry,” said Nancy Cox, UK vice president for land-grant engagement and Martin-Gatton CAFE dean. “We are honored that Dr. Tom Stout will join us to lead this all-important program.”

An internationally prominent expert in equine reproduction, Stout is currently chair of section in equine sciences and professor in equine medicine and reproduction at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.  

“Dr. Stout’s reputation in the field of equine reproduction precedes him as an impactful clinician-scientist and opinion leader. His expertise is broad and deep, and we look forward to his contributions to the profession and industry,” said Brett Sponseller, incoming chair of the Department of Veterinary Science and incoming Gluck Center Director.

Stout earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Cambridge and doctorate from the Equine Fertility Unit in Newmarket under the supervision of legendary equine reproduction expert and professor W.R. “Twink” Allen.

Stout was a lecturer in animal reproduction at Cambridge University before joining Utrecht University, where he became a Diplomate of the European College of Animal Reproduction (ECAR) and a Royal Dutch Veterinary Association specialist in equine reproduction.

Stout is currently active within a busy clinical program that addresses all aspects of equine reproduction. Currently, he focuses on assisted reproductive technologies, including oocyte and embryo recovery and transfer. His research also concentrates on the biology of fertilization, early embryonic development and embryo-maternal communication, with particular reference to their relevance to early pregnancy loss.

“Dr. Stout represents the unique combination of hands-on clinician and expert researcher in equine reproduction. His extensive clinical and research experiences are perfect for the needs of our stakeholders as well as of those who look for the latest research and best practices in equine reproduction,” said Surendranath Suman, interim chair of the Department of Veterinary Science and interim director of the Gluck Center.

Stout is author or co-author of more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, an invited speaker at numerous international conferences and has supervised 19 completed PhDs and ECAR diplomas. Stout also serves as deputy editor of the Equine Veterinary Journal, deputy chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board’s Veterinary Advisory Committee, chair of the International Equine Reproduction Trust and is an extraordinary (honorary) professor at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.

 "On behalf of the Gluck Equine Research Foundation, we are extremely enthusiastic about the announcement of Dr. Tom Stout's appointment to the distinguished Albert G. Clay Endowed Chair in Equine Reproduction, furthering the commitment in this established area of excellence and focus which is vital to many of our stakeholders,” said Stuart Brown, Gluck Equine Research Foundation Board chair, vice president of equine safety with Keeneland and longtime Central Kentucky veterinarian. “Dr. Stout represents a world class clinical scientist in the realm of equine reproduction, noted and highly sought after by many of his colleagues in the areas of discovery that have advanced our understanding of equine fertility. With his guidance and expertise, the Gluck Center will be well positioned with its investment in this area of interest to build upon new and novel discovery to further benefit the health and wellbeing of the horse." 

To learn more about the Gluck Equine Research Center, visit https://gluck.ca.uky.edu

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Writer: Holly Wiemers, holly.wiemers@uky.edu

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