John Verstegen, DVM, PhD, MSc, DECAR, an internationally renowned expert in animal reproduction, has joined Minitube International as Executive Vice President of Research and Development to direct its global technology and product development. Verstegen will also continue his role as the Director of the International Small Animal Reproduction Program for Minitube International.
Minitube’s International Center for Biotechnology (ICB) is a state of the art research facility focused on advanced research and development of assisted reproduction technologies. The ICB facility is located just outside of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, USA, where a first-class team of scientists, researchers and support staff are engaged in basic and applied research, product development, quality assurance, contract services and customer training courses for most livestock and companion animal species.
Dr. Verstegen’s multinational and versatile experience spans a career in academic and commercial research as well as applied science. He has set milestones through his PhD work in pig sensitivity to stress, his participation in the development of the world’s first commercial porcine derived follicle stimulating hormone (pFSH) for bovine embryo transfer, in advancing porcine and bovine pregnancy diagnosis, the development of large animal medical models, and the innovation of modern small animal reproduction. Dr. Verstegen is a board-certified veterinarian by the European College for Animal Reproduction with advanced training in animal reproduction, including the physiology and pathology of male and female reproductive systems and the clinical practice of veterinary obstetrics, gynecology, and andrology.
“Dr. Verstegen’s experience and international network of scientific collaborators at universities, large corporations and industry associations make him the perfect fit for Minitube’s global R&D program to ensure our cutting-edge focus and achievements for a bright future of livestock and companion animal reproduction, said Ludwig Simmet, CEO of Minitube of America.. “As a former National Champion and Junior Olympian fencer, Dr. Verstegen brings discipline, resolve, and a highly competitive will to succeed, both as an individual and as part of the Minitube Team.”
Verstegen attended the University of Liege in Belgium where he received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a Doctor of Philosophy in endocrinology and histology, both degrees were awarded with the distinction maxima cum laude. He has Master’s Degrees in Bioinformatics and Business Management from the St. Louis University in Belgium, and in Biostatistics from the P&M Curie University in Paris.
With 30 years of accomplishments in research, clinical practice and education, Verstegen has made significant contributions to the science and applied technologies of small animal reproduction. He is widely known as the “father of modern small animal reproduction” and is an internationally renowned speaker. Verstegen has taught as professor at numerous universities throughout the world and has authored and co-authored over 250 scientific papers and books. He has been a key player in developing collaborations with private and public companies all over the world.
“Moving to Minitube and Wisconsin is another exciting challenge in a life dedicated to the improvement of animal reproduction through education and research,” said Verstegen. “Minitube is the current leader in biotechnology and assisted reproduction in animals. I am really thrilled to have the chance to lead its future development and participate in the worldwide expansion of this pioneer company by mixing science and technology to better serve our clients.”
“As Executive Vice President, Dr. Verstegen will play a crucial role for Minitube International by generating new research with applications to real world needs and further advancing the ICB’s global reputation as a leading reproduction research facility and service provider of reproductive technologies”, said Dr. Christian Simmet, CEO of Minitüb, Germany.
“Product development requires more focus on science and research in today’s rapidly changing world of agriculture,” Christian Simmet continues. “Minitube has always been committed to the support and promotion of ethical and responsible research, thereby contributing significant improvements to modern animal production and agriculture. Minitube’s collaboration with the world of agriculture has been instrumental to the development of state-of-the-art porcine and bovine reproduction. Additionally, Minitube has been successful in developing and optimizing assisted reproduction technologies for horses and dogs.”
“Minitube’s role in animal reproduction is critical to agriculture, from the quality of products and services offered to the significant investment we have in training, education and research,” continues Verstegen. “My transition to Minitube will further strengthen the transmission of knowledge and expertise from the academic world to applied agriculture. Minitube’s expertise at the ICB is essential to the agricultural industry and has a significant impact on the food industry.”
Prior to his position at Minitube Verstegen served as a professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. He was a founding member of both the European Society for Small Animal Reproduction and the European College for Animal Reproduction. Verstegen has served as a board member of the Belgian Council for Laboratory Animal Science, the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science, and the European Federation of Laboratory Animal Science Association. His expertise and experience in academia and business will ensure Minitube’s competitive lead in artificial reproduction technologies and products.