The new development plan of the Estonian University of Life Sciences highlights the strengthening of One Health competencies as a key strategic focus. But what does this mean in practice, and what are the next steps?
The new development plan of the Estonian University of Life Sciences highlights the strengthening of One Health competencies as a key strategic focus. But what does this mean in practice, and what are the next steps? These questions are addressed by Toomas Tiirats, Director of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, and Professor Alireza Fazeli, who are both involved in establishing a new One Health Centre.
“The One Health approach is based on the understanding that the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment are inextricably linked,” explains Professor Fazeli. “When this balance is disrupted—due to environmental degradation or animal diseases, for example—it can rapidly affect human health and food safety.”
From this perspective, the Estonian University of Life Sciences plans to establish a One Health Centre (Ühtse Tervise kompetentsikeskus). The Centre will bring together the University’s existing strengths and expertise to address biological risks as well as broader CBRN risks (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear).
In an era of increasing biological threats—from zoonotic pandemics to deliberate agro-terrorism—there is a growing need for improved preparedness and cooperation. The planned Centre will focus on proactive prevention and preparedness, helping to address gaps that became particularly evident during the COVID-19 crisis. One of the Centre’s key objectives is to contribute to strengthening health and food security in Estonia and across Europe.
Next Steps and Internal Collaboration
The plan is to establish a new unit within the University, with a governing board representing all institutes. The concept for the Centre has been introduced by the University leadership to several ministries, and the feedback received confirms a clear national expectation for this initiative to be implemented.
In January, the University will submit a Teaming project proposal titled “One Health Centre for Bio-resilience and Preparedness (OHBP)”, which has advanced to the final stage of evaluation. Initiating similar international initiatives and collaborative projects will also be one of the Centre’s important future roles.
At the beginning of the year, meetings and discussions will take place across all institutes to jointly consider how collaboration on One Health topics can be most effectively organised within the University.
We Invite the University Community to Contribute
The strength of the Estonian University of Life Sciences in the field of One Health lies in the diverse expertise of its researchers. The new Centre will provide a framework for bringing this knowledge together more effectively, supporting joint projects, international collaboration, and strategic funding opportunities.
“We warmly welcome the ideas, questions, and interests of members of the University community—this will help us shape the Centre in a way that genuinely supports the work of our researchers and teaching staff,” encourages Professor Fazeli.
For questions or ideas, please contact Professor Alireza Fazeli.
Professor in Comparative Medicine