Cornell epidemiologist Ynte Schukken has been named an honorary Francqui Chair at the University of Ghent in Belgium and was presented with the university medal at a formal ceremony Feb. 17.

Chosen from an international pool of candidates, Schukken was nominated for the award by faculty at the University of Ghent's College of Veterinary Medicine and appointed by the university's president.

He presented his inaugural lecture, "Milk, Math and Molecules: Epidemiology of Endemic Infectious Disease in Cattle," at the University of Ghent at the ceremony for members of the university community and invited guests.

As chair, Schukken's obligations include offering 10 hours of presentations; collaborating on research; and helping to organize various events, including a symposium and workshop, all in Belgium.

Schukken is a professor of epidemiology and herd health at Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine and serves as the director of the Quality Milk Production Services, part of the college's Animal Health Diagnostic Center. His research aims to improve the profession's understanding of population dynamics of infectious diseases in animal populations; udder health in well-managed dairy herds; and the application of epidemiological, statistical and mathematical methods to animal disease research.