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Science, Specimens and Policy: DEFRA-led Training based at the Natural History Museum
In October 2024, we added an exciting twist to our DEFRA training for Cohort 2 by hosting the event at the Natural History Museum. The week kicked off with an exclusive “All Access” tour, allowing everyone to explore unique specimen rooms including the tank room, insect exhibits, and parasite collections—a truly memorable experience for all involved.
The remainder of the week offered a fascinating and comprehensive insight into the realm of policy, highlighting the pivotal role science plays in shaping and challenging policies. Participants had the unique opportunity to interact with senior officials from both DEFRA and the Natural History Museum, sparking engaging discussions on the often complex relationship between policy and science.
Uniting Projects and Friendships with our 1st Annual Conference
Our inaugural annual conference took place on the final day of our induction week, marking an exciting milestone for our growing community. During the event, Cohort 1 showcased their work to Cohort 2 through a series of engaging poster presentations. This brilliant opportunity allowed everyone to see how the various projects interconnect within the broader remit, while also fostering an environment for sharing skillsets and supporting one another.
Looking ahead, we are already planning a similar conference in October 2025, which will feature presentations by Cohort 2 alongside our forthcoming Cohort 3. We are committed to keeping the momentum of knowledge exchange and the spirit of camaraderie alive well into the future.
Bridging Generations: When Cohort 1 Met Cohort 2
We enjoyed a brilliant evening at Zero Degrees Cardiff, where we brought together our first and second cohorts in a relaxed and convivial setting. It was marvellous to witness everyone getting to know one another, further strengthening the robust research community we have diligently built over the two years of OneZoo. This event not only cemented our sense of unity but also set the stage for exciting collaborative ventures ahead.
A Collaborative and Inspiring Induction Week Experience for Cohort 2!
We were thrilled to welcome our second cohort of students to their Induction Week at the stunning New House Country Hotel, nestled just outside Cardiff. The event provided a great opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in both academic insight and making new friends. A particular highlight was our excursion to a local farm, led by Abi Reader, Deputy President for NFU Cymru. The day was filled with learning and enjoyment as students engaged with Abi, the farm environment and the animals. Additionally, we had the honour of hosting Professor Peter Hudson from Penn State, who captivated students and staff alike with his expertise on being a scientist in the OneHealth research field. His engaging presentations and conversations shed light on innovative approaches to tackling zoonotic diseases—a vital discussion in today’s global health landscape. Overall, the week proved to be an enriching blend of practical experience and theoretical learning, setting a positive tone for what promises to be an exciting journey ahead for all our students.
OneZoo Students Tackle Zoonotic Malaria in London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a trip to the London Zoo
We hosted an engaging training week at LSHTM focused on zoonotic malaria, offering a unique glimpse into the collaborative world of disease prevention and control. Throughout the week, participants heard from leading experts in the field who shared their extensive knowledge and real-world experiences in tackling this challenging public health issue. The sessions explored cutting-edge research, innovative intervention strategies, the essential role of multidisciplinary teamwork in combatting zoonotic malaria and identifying malaria/disease in the practical lab-based sessions.
A particularly memorable day was dedicated entirely to public engagement and communication. Hosted at The London Zoo, the session provided a vibrant backdrop for discussing effective methods of communicating complex scientific ideas to the wider public. Attendees gained valuable insights into the importance of translating research into accessible language, ensuring that crucial information reaches diverse audiences and helps foster community awareness and resilience.
Showcasing OneZoo Research
Our OneZoo students have been actively showcasing their research at national conferences. Mia Ley presented at the British Society for Parasitology, while Joanna Pallister shared her findings at the Microbiology Society conference.
These opportunities are helping our students build global research networks, enhancing their career prospects, and gaining valuable experience in presenting their work. Congratulations to Mia and Joanna for their impressive contributions!
OneZoo Students Tackle Foodborne Trematodes in Queen’s University Belfast
Foodborne trematodes cause infections in humans through the consumption of contaminated food, such as raw fish, crustaceans, or vegetables. These infections can lead to severe liver and lung disease, contributing to an estimated 2 million life years lost to disability and death worldwide each year (WHO). To delve into this pressing issue, OneZoo students travelled to Queen’s University Belfast to participate in an informative, engaging, and real-world zoonotic challenge event centred on issues relating to foodborne trematodes. The event featured insightful talks and discussions from world-leading experts, along with practical sessions, providing valuable hands-on experience.
The students showcased their problem solving skills by identifying pathogens from recent real-life case studies, presented to a panel of experts and complemented by infographics that illustrated their findings. This event not only broadened the students’ understanding of foodborne trematode infections but also equipped them with practical skills and real-world experience in combating these significant zoonotic diseases.
Insider Insights: OneZoo Students Explored How Science meets Policy at DEFRA Headquarters in Westminster
In an exclusive opportunity, OneZoo PhD students recently participated in a tailored training program hosted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) at their headquarters in Westminster. This event marked the first part of a two-part training program. The initiative aimed to provide firsthand insights into the dynamic intersection of science and policy, offering a glimpse into the significant number of scientists actively contributing to governmental processes. The program also highlighted the challenges encountered in navigating ever-evolving political landscapes.
Part 1 of the policy training program focused on exploring the infectious disease implications for environmental health. During this phase, students actively engaged in discussions with DEFRA’s One Health teams, particularly the Human Animal Infections and Risk Surveillance Group. This unique session provided a firsthand look into how government entities work together across the devolved nations, to analyse the current zoonotic risks in the UK. The experience fostered a direct and meaningful connection between OneZoo and the professionals at the forefront of policy-making.
The OneZoo CDT embarked on its journey with a vibrant residential induction week held at the picturesque New House Country Hotel in Thornhill, just outside of Cardiff.
The immersive introductory event provided students with a unique opportunity to delve into critical topics at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. Engaging discussions and collaborative exploration took center stage as students connected with their peers and academic and non-academic partners, gaining invaluable insights from a variety of sectors.
A highlight of the week was an enlightening trip to a local farm, enriching participants’ understanding of zoonotic diseases in the agricultural sector. This hands-on experience further underscored OneZoo CDT’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to research and learning
