One Health research at SLU

SLU conducts interdisciplinary research on how the health of humans, animals, plants and ecosystems is connected. Here we present a selection of SLU’s broad expertise and research within the One Health field. You’ll find ongoing projects, research results, and theme pages that highlight different research areas linked to One Health.

THEME PAGES
Laboratory. Photo.

Infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance

Infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including antibiotic resistance, is a major challenge for animal husbandry and food security worldwide. Combating infectious diseases and AMR requires multidisciplinary global research.

Red deer. Photo.

Animals and nature for human health

Research investigating how animals and nature affect human health is performed at several SLU departments, and spans different research areas. Here we present a selection of current projects and publications in the field.

The eye of a horse

Translational and comparative medicine

Translational and comparative medicine bridges lab research and clinical practice, using animal models to find shared ways to improve both human and animal health.

Interviews and researcher portraits
Human and dogs walking at sunset
MORE INTERVIEWS

Hi! What is your research about?

Meet some of our researchers and PhD students as they talk about their research within One Health. Together, they present the breadth of research taking place at SLU.

A woman with glasses, earrings and a spotted blouse. Photo.
INTERVIEW

Making valuable products from cassava residues

”By integrating food safety, environmental protection, and human well-being, my work reflects the core principles of the One Health approach”, says Andreia Massamby, new PhD at the Department of Molecular Sciences.

A smiling woman on a balcony. Photo.
INTERVIEW

How natural enemies can reduce pests

“My work connects plant health with overall ecosystem health because when natural enemies, like insects, control pests, crops grow better and require fewer chemicals, which is healthier for the environment”, says new PhD Grace Mercy Amboka, Department of Ecology.

A woman hangs with one arm in a tree. Photo.
INTERVIEW

Rooted in plant science – sparking collaboration across disciplines

“The growing interest in nature-based solutions and sustainable agriculture opens space for plant science to take a stronger role within One Health”, says Anna Manourova, coordinator for the plant science network PlantLink.

Close-up of a middle-aged man with the sun on his face. Photo.
INTERVIEW

A new SLU professor in One Health

Stefan Gunnarsson is SLU’s newly appointed professor in One Health with a focus on food production from healthy animals in circular systems. We asked Stefan to share some of his thoughts and visions for his new role.

Photo of a woman (Astrid Bornfeldt Persson, SLU) sitting with pigs in an indoor barn.
Interview of the month

When waste becomes a carrier of disease: Finding solutions to protect Sweden's pigs and food production

Have you ever considered that food waste disposed incorrectly later in the trash chain can attract wild animals – and contribute to the spread of deadly diseases? This is believed to have happened when African swine fever was suddenly discovered in Sweden. How can we prevent history from repeating?

ONE HEALTH – ONE WORLD, ONE PLANET

Definition of One Health

One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and inter-dependent. The approach mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines and communities at varying levels of society to work together to foster well-being and tackle threats to health and ecosystems, while addressing the collective need for clean water, energy and air, safe and nutritious food, taking action on climate change, and contributing to sustainable development. Reference: The quadripartite (WHO, FAO, WOAH, UNEP).

What does the concept of One Health mean?

We share our lives with animals and are affected by each other's health, as well as the environment we live in. In this short film, we explain how everything is interconnected, following the One Health approach.

Why focus on One Health?

The One Health approach focuses on the interface between animal-, human-, plant- and ecosystem health. A collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach, cutting across these boundaries, is needed to understand complex health challenges.
Read the definition and more about the One Health approach
SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH GROUPS

Complex challenges requires a One Health approach

The One Health approach aims to enhance understanding of the interactions and connections between animal, human, plant, and environmental health. This complex relationship requires an interdisciplinary approach, integrating veterinary medicine, epidemiology, ecology, animal husbandry, human medicine, behavioural science, economics, and other scientific disciplines. SLU boasts extensive expertise in the One Health field.

Research groups linked to One Health

Researchers at SLU study the interactions between humans, animals and the ecosystem. Here you can find opportunities for collaboration or details for contact.
Find researchers/research groups

Scientific SLU publications linked to One Health

A selection of scientific publications by SLU researchers from the SLU publication database (SLUpub) organised within this field.
Visit SLUpub to explore more scientific publications