The second One Health Forum, held on 1 October, brought together researchers of our university from different disciplines to exchange ideas, review recent achievements and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The meeting highlighted how the One Health community is already helping to turn informal discussions into concrete research initiatives.
From networking to new research opportunities
One of the encouraging outcomes since the first Forum has been the development of new collaborative activities, including the submission of an ASTRA+ application. This initiative illustrates how bringing researchers together can create opportunities for joint projects and external funding.
Other emerging collaborations include research on antimicrobial activity and efforts to develop new textiles leading to interdisciplinary European research proposals.
Three doctoral studentships for One Health?
An important proposal discussed during the meeting was to seek university support for three dedicated interdisciplinary One Health PhD studentships.
These positions may bring together supervisors from different institutes and potentially other universities, allowing doctoral researchers to address complex problems at the intersection of human, animal, plant and environmental health.
The Head of the One Health Centre will explore this proposal with the university leadership.
Introducing the One Health Enthusiasts!
Participants also agreed to give their growing community a new identity: One Health Enthusiasts (ühtse tervise entusiastid).
The name reflects the open, inclusive and collaborative spirit of the Forum, welcoming everyone interested in One Health, regardless of their disciplinary background.
Discussions also explored opportunities for a One Health PhD Research Day, greater participation in COST Actions, seed funding for interdisciplinary research, and increased visibility through university communications and the Centre's website.
Building a stronger One Health community
The Forum emphasised that the success of the One Health Centre should be measured not only by the number of meetings organised, but also by the collaborations, research proposals, educational initiatives and new opportunities emerging from them.
By connecting expertise across disciplines, the One Health Enthusiasts aim to help translate ideas into projects that benefit the university and wider society.
The next One Health Forum will take place in November 2026, with the date and venue to be announced.
All colleagues interested in One Health are warmly encouraged to join the community, share their ideas and help shape its future activities.
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