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
INTERVIEWS

Hi! What is your research about?

Interviews and researcher portraits linked to One Health with some of our researchers and PhD's and doctoral students.

Raccoon dog. Photo.
INTERVIEW

Succesfully managing the raccoon dog to reduce risks to biodiversity and health

“Invasive alien species are generally bad for biodiversity. They occupy areas and either outcompete or kill native species. Invasive alien animals may spread diseases to native species."

A woman by the ocean. Photo.
INTERVIEW

How to sustain healthy marine ecosystems and food webs

Ecosystem-based management acknowledges the complexity of the system and employs measures to ensure that biodiversity is maintained, all resources are used sustainably, and ecosystem services are available to humans across society.”

Woman at a birch tree with a box of aluminum foil attached to it. Photo.
INTERVIEW

Congrats to Paulina Bergmark - a new PhD within One Health

Healthy forests support both nature and people, which makes this work important for a better future.”

A male vet is holding a poultry in his arms.
Meet our PhD's

Why do bacterial species sometimes cause harm and sometimes not?

All bodies carry bacteria – some vital, others dangerous. Why does the same species behave differently? Homayoon Davam is investigating this in a project on poultry and E. coli. (in Swedish)

Syringes with medicine at a veterinary clinic, photo.
Podcast

The importance of Swedish veterinary medicine for animal production

From rinderpest to antibiotic resistance – veterinarians play a key role in animal health, our food, and crisis preparedness. Episode 40 of "Feeding Your Mind" covers threats, advancements, and protecting animals and humans in an uncertain future (in Swedish).

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.

Complex challenges requires an 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.
Explore research groups within One Health