Photo: Pexels by Swahili studios |
Understanding change: the role of social science in One HealthWhat shapes how knowledge is used, decisions are made, and change actually happens? Social science plays a key role in understanding these processes. In this issue, we highlight research that brings together social and natural sciences to address complex One Health challenges – from farming practices to environmental communication. As always, we share a selection of One Health research and tips on upcoming events. Enjoy your reading! | | | | | New dissertations within One Health Congrats to Rohan, Valeriia, Maureen and Markos! | Understanding mosquito behaviour to reduce disease transmission“Due to climate change and human activity, disease transmission and the spread of invasive mosquito species across Europe pose a significant health risk to both people and animals”, says Rohan Menon, new PhD at the Department of Plant Protection Biology. | How antimicrobial resistance develops and behaves in pig farms“My work supports the One Health idea by showing that to control antimicrobial resistance, we need to consider the connections between animals, humans, and the environment together, rather than studying them separately”, says Valeriia Ladyhina, new PhD at the Department of Animal Biosciences. | Understanding food safety in informal markets
“My research highlights the close connection between animal and human health and offers valuable information to help estimate risks, design practical solutions, and guide policies to better protect public health”, says Maureen Kuboka, new PhD at the Department of Animal Biosciences.
| Feed choices to reduce climate impact from dairy farms
“My research supports One Health by helping reduce greenhouse gases from dairy farming, benefiting the climate, animals, and people”, says Markos Managos, who recently completed his PhD at the Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare. | | | | | | When farmer well-being meets animal welfareMeet Catarina Svensson, Professor at the Department of Clinical Sciences at SLU. Her research shows that improving calf welfare is not only about
housing practices
and management – it is also about the people behind them. In this project, she explores how technology, working conditions and social sustainability are linked within a One Health perspective. | |
Photo: Jenny Svennås-Gillner, SLU | | | | | Giving value to the invaluable
Economics is not just about money. Giving value to the invaluable is the focus of Bengt Kriström, Professor of Resource Economics at the Department of Forest Bioeconomy and Technology at SLU-Umeå, and a Senior Advisor for the Centre for Environmental and Resource Economics (CERE).
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Photo: Mona Bonta Bergman | | | | | Behavioural change for health and water protection
Anke Fischer, Professor at the Division of Environmental Communication at the Department of Urban and Rural Development, shares insights from the communication project "Reducing pharmaceuticals: behavioural change for health and water protection".
| | Photo: Adam Walker, James Hutton Institute
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Reconnecting children with nature – a One Health perspective Nature-rich environments play a key role in children’s health, development and social interaction. In this interview, Fredrika Mårtensson shares how access to biodiverse outdoor environments supports well-being – and why this matters from a One Health perspective. | | | | | Apply for Researcher Residency at Philipssonska Gården, 24–25 AugustFor the fifth time, SLU Future Platforms invites senior and junior SLU researchers to join us for two days of interdisciplinary research discussions at Philipssonska Gården in Strängnäs. This time our main focus will be on different aspects of preparedness, which is a highly relevant topic today. Apply by 25 May! | | | | | From health psychology to One Health – meet Nina Lind RannebergNina Lind Ranneberg has taken on the role of Programme Director for SLU Future One Health. With a background in health psychology and interdisciplinary research, she is keen to further strengthen collaboration across disciplines and highlight the breadth of One Health research at SLU.
In the interview, she reflects on her “happy accident” journey into SLU, what drives her curiosity and yes-person mindset – and why health can never be understood in isolation from its context.
| | | | | Coffee Chats: Making environmental research accessibleAt the Department of Environmental Communication at SLU, new ways of communicating research are being explored. Through informal conversations over coffee, complex societal and environmental issues are made more accessible – closely linked to the One Health perspective. We spoke to Karen Schellhase, a research assistant, and Clara Jonsson, a communications officer, at the Department of Environmental Communication – the team behind the initiative about the idea, what they have learned so far, and how they see the connection to One Health.
| | Photo: Clara Jonsson, SLU | | | | | International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026). The Year spotlights the essential roles women play across agrifood systems, from production to trade, while often going unrecognised. Women farmers are central to food security, nutrition and economic resilience. Discover some of SLU's research and opportunities for collaboration in support of the IYWF. We will also highlight two upcoming events: Photo: Unsplash | | | | | Sheila Holmes, hub coordinator at SLU Future One Health, tries the Natureach VR equipment at the One Health Days 2026. Photo: Teresia Borgman | | NATUREACH - Nature reachable to allThe NATUREACH project investigated the restorative effects of VR nature environments made accessible for people with limited access to natural environments. The project has officially come to an end but the website is continuously being updated with new material and results.
| | | | The One Health Breakfast Club | Join us next time when Carl-Gustaf Thulin, Researcher, Department of Animal Biosciences, talks about: To belong or not belong – An odysse on natives and aliens
The last sign-up day is 5 May! See you there! |
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.
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A selection of One Health researchA selection of news and research results linked to One Health area. (Primarily in English, Swedish if the content is not available in English). Highlights this time: | | | | | Upcoming events- related to One Health |
Join us for discussions of recent findings and exploration of future directions in the interdisciplinary field of biogeochemical research in ecosystems. | | | | Save the date: Researcher Recidency | Onsite Strängnäs
Apply for Researcher Residency at Philipssonska Gården
SLU Future Platforms invites senior and junior SLU researchers to join us for two days of interdisciplinary discussions – this time with focus on different aspects of preparedness. Apply by 25 May! | | | | | | | | |
