Dear reader, This autumn has felt like an extended summer, with warm, sunny days. Now, as the season changes, we are keeping ourselves warm through ongoing efforts to stimulate interdisciplinary approaches in a variety of ways, creating forums for climate dialogues, and much more. We are also focusing on upcoming opportunities, such as highlighting the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026. SLU is involved in various ways and brings a wealth of expertise – discover all ongoing activities and opportunities for cooperation (read more about IYRP 2026 below). As always, we present a selection of One Health research, spotlighting young researchers who have recently defended their theses and earned their doctorates.
Additionally, you get some tips on upcoming events. We wish you all a warm and cosy autumn. Enjoy your reading! Photo: Andrew Small
| | | | | Three new dissertations linked to One Health Congrats to Linda Ernholm, Ze Hui Kong and Noelia López-García!What is your research about, and how is it linked to One Health? | "My research has been focused on the interface between wild boar and domestic pigs and the possible disease transmission between the populations. The wildlife-livestock interface is integral to the One Health concept. Human actions may facilitate disease spillover between domestic and wild populations, leading to increased human or animal health risks, or disease agents spreading to the environment." | "My research focused on the effects of microplastics on freshwater ecosystems, from microorganisms to overall ecosystem functioning. The healthy functioning of freshwater ecosystems contributes to human well-being through the many purposes for which we rely on these ecosystems, including the provision of fresh water and food." | "My research addresses the growing threat of pathogenic Phytophthora species to forest health in southern Sweden. I study their interactions with microbial communities and human activities to understand their impact on ecosystems. Key findings emphasize the need for advanced detection methods, public engagement, and strong legislative measures. Our goal is to develop effective management strategies to protect forests from this escalating threat." | | | | P3 Dokumentär: Det svenska fallet av rabies | Lyssna på: Det svenska fallet av rabies (Sveriges radio) – där professor Susanna Sternberg Lewerin från SLU medverkar. | | | | | Meet PhD Trang Thi Huyen Le – who are visiting SLU during October Strengthening global food safety through One Health collaboration between SLU & ILRI | Meet Trang Thi Huyen Le, a PhD student, who visited SLU in October 2024. Her project focuses on improving food safety in Vietnam’s pig slaughterhouses and markets. | | | | | | The International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 Rangelands cover half of the Earth’s surface, supporting over 2 billion people and more than 50 % of the world’s livestock. Despite their importance, they are often overlooked. The UN has declared 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) to raise awareness about their value and the need for protection. SLU is involved in various ways and brings a wealth of expertise – discover all ongoing activities and opportunities for cooperation. Sara Gräslund, Head of SLU Global:
"SLU is committed to contributing to increased knowledge and capacity of relevance to the IYRP. Issues relating to rangelands and pastoralists are at the heart of many of SLU’s collaborations and processes. Our researchers contribute through different partnerships to an increased understanding of the role of rangelands and pastoralism for food security, economy, environment, and cultural heritage.” Photo: Aida Bargues Tobella | | | | | PhD Project: Viral encephalitis in dogs and humans – searching for answers to why
The brain is one of the body's most important but also most vulnerable organs. When viruses of known or unknown types infect the central nervous system, inflammation can occur, disrupting and damaging some of its most important functions - serious conditions that can lead to death or very serious injury. Which viruses are responsible? And can similarities between affected dogs and humans be identified? That's what PhD student Emma Thilén is trying to find out. Meet PhD student Emma Thilén – and learn more about her research. Photo: Lisa Chröisty | | | | | UN and SLU in new collaboration to develop food production and fight hungerOn 18 September, a delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) visited the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala. During the visit, an agreement was signed between FAO and the university to further strengthen the long-standing collaboration. SLU is the first university in Sweden with which FAO has signed a co-operation agreement.
Read the news article here! | | | | |
A selection of One Health researchSLU conducts interdisciplinary research in the One Health area. Here we present a selection of research projects, publications, as well as research results in the field. (Primarily in English, Swedish if the content is not available in English). Highlights this time: | | | | | The One Health Breakfast Club |
Our aim with The One Health Breakfast Club is to stimulate interdisciplinary and cross-faculty collaborations. We meet and greet on a regular basis, to hopefully gain some new insights and inspiration while having breakfast together. |
Join us next time when
Mariko Kanamori, Social Epidemiologist at Stockholm University, talks about Social determinants of health perspective for One Health: epidemiological evidence focusing on mental health in Japanese farming communities.
The last sign-up day is 29 October! See you there!
| | | | | | Save the date! Nordic Perspectives on Soil Health
The concept of Soil Health is gaining traction in the scientific literature and media coverage as well as in policy discussions. Ways to incorporate this concept into agriculture and forest management, as well as urban planning, are currently being discussed across departments within SLU.
On 4 December, a workshop will be organised that aims to bring clarity to Soil Health from an interdisciplinary scientific perspective, and therefore, we invite SLU researchers from various fields of research to participate. | | | | | Upcoming events- related to One Health | | | | | |
