Boosting One Health: Impact, Innovation, and the Path Forward 

On October 10, 2025, the Main Hall of the Estonian University of Life Sciences in Tartu welcomed researchers, students, and stakeholders from across Europe for the international conference “Boosting One Health: Impact, Innovation, and the Path Forward.” The event celebrated the achievements of the OH-Boost Project, a collaborative initiative uniting the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the University of Tartu, the University of Helsinki, and the University of Milan in advancing One Health research, innovation, and cooperation.

The conference began with a warm welcome from Prof. Ülle Jaakma, Rector of EMÜ, and Toomas Tiirats, Director of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, who highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex health challenges. Prof. Alireza Fazeli, the OH-Boost Project Coordinator, then presented an engaging project overview, summarizing the goals, partnerships, and key achievements in building One Health excellence.

The first session, Exploratory Research in One Health, showcased innovative studies that demonstrate the project’s scientific impact. Presenters included Prof. Toomas Orro, Associate Prof. Radko Avi, Associate Prof. Mikael Niku, and Dr. Sharon Arcuri, who shared research on microbiota, extracellular vesicles, immunity, and novel 3D experimental approaches — highlighting how OH-Boost has strengthened both knowledge and collaboration across institutions.

In the second session, Capacity Building & Researcher Development, participants reflected on the personal and professional benefits of the project. Representatives from the Estonian University of Life Sciences, including Prof. Arvo Viltrop, Külli Must, Egne Kahro, Urszula Malińska-Mark, and Deep Bhattacharya, shared experiences in training, mobility, and professional growth. They highlighted job shadowing, training, and study visits opportunities in areas such as research management, core facilities management, project management, laboratory work, and veterinary clinic operations. These visits allowed participants to map areas for development in Estonia, drawing on solutions and methods observed in Milan and Helsinki, and illustrated how OH-Boost has supported both early-career and senior professionals while fostering institutional innovation.

The conference concluded with a dynamic panel, Lessons Learned & Future Directions, moderated by Prof. Alireza Fazeli. Panelists from all partner universities — Prof. Tiziana Brevini, Prof. Heli Simojoki, Associate Prof. Kristi Huik, and Toomas Tiirats — discussed sustainability, future collaboration, and the evolving landscape of One Health research. The open debate allowed participants to explore potential directions for the field, emphasizing that while the conference closes, the project’s collaboration and impact will continue.

The event clearly demonstrated the local and international impact of OH-Boost, from advancing scientific knowledge and fostering professional development to strengthening partnerships, knowledge transfer across institutions, and science communication to the general public and stakeholders. We hosted on-site and online participants representing universities, businesses, industry, and the public sector. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the organizers for putting together this inspiring event, to the speakers for presenting their research and sharing their experiences, and to all who participated in the discussion on the future of One Health.

While the conference has concluded, the cooperation, knowledge exchange, and shared vision fostered through OH-Boost continue, laying the foundation for future achievements in One Health research and innovation.

Photo credits:  Deep Bhattacharya, Chanaka Gedara, Omid Mousavi.