Merlin Lindemann, Ph.D., professor of swine nutrition and management in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Department of Animal and Food Sciences, is one of the 14 University Research Professors. The 2022-2023 University Research Professorship Awards honor faculty members who have demonstrated excellence that addresses scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in our region and around the world. which honor faculty members who have demonstrated excellence that addresses scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in our region and around the world. 

College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000. 

“When one considers the vast areas of research at UK and some of the people that have received this award in the past, it is indeed humbling to be recognized as a 2022-23 University Research Professor,” Lindemann said. “These types of awards would not be possible without excellent administrative and technical support staff within our departments and at the university level. For myself, personally, some of the most impactful research results were also dependent on faculty colleagues who had different skill sets than myself being willing to assist me when needed and for outstanding graduate students being able to keep the projects on track.” 

Lindemann, one of the premier global swine nutritionists, joined the UK faculty in 1994. Earning an international reputation for stellar research, he was the first to show that folic addition to sow diets increased litter size and formed the basis for the National Research Council (NRC, 1998) estimate of the sow requirement. His dose titration studies with chromium picolinate served as the basis for the FDA's position (1995) that allowed its addition to swine feeds. 

“Additionally, to receive the award, someone had to take the initiative and time to put the nomination together - evidence of another thoughtful act of a colleague. I am thankful for the many people at UK who have made this possible,” added Lindemann. 

Lindemann’s service has been with more than 60 national and international agricultural companies, professional societies and governmental agencies. His research has resulted in 135 refereed publications and more than 500 other publications. He is a highly sought-after speaker giving invited presentations in 35 countries. In the past 14 years alone, he has made 20 trips to Asia, Europe and South America for more than 70 presentations to 3,500 people. In that same period, he hosted seven visiting professors and guided 36 graduate students from eight countries establishing a robust global footprint for his program.