Insights from the second PEITHO Thematic Network Webinar: One Health research collaboration: a glimpse at European R&I and One Health outcomes applied to real world scenarios

On 28 May, the EOHA hosted the second PEITHO Thematic Network webinar, within the EU Health Policy Platform. This session brought together experts and stakeholders to explore how One Health research is being developed, funded, and translated into real-world solutions across Europe.

Key Topics Covered:

• The BE READY European Partnership: background and perspective on One Health actions: Natalia Martin and Laurent Jaboeuf presented the new European Partnership for Pandemic Preparedness (BE READY), a collaborative, multi-country platform aiming to align research priorities, fund transnational research, and embed the One Health approach in pandemic readiness. Their work includes calls for research proposals that integrate human, animal, and environmental health, and social science perspectives.
• Simulation exercise on Avian Influenza: the Belgian experience on a One Health participative collaboration: Géraldine Boseret and Jorgen Stassijns (Sciensano) shared Belgium’s innovative simulation exercises on avian influenza, demonstrating how cross-sectoral networks, coordinated response protocols, and real-life drills can break down institutional silos and improve preparedness for zoonotic outbreaks.

Key Takeaways:

• Collaboration is Crucial. Effective One Health solutions require strong networks linking human, animal, and environmental health sectors at both national and EU levels. Simulation exercises and shared action plans help build trust and operational readiness.
• Integration Must Be Practical. Funding and research agendas should explicitly encourage multi-sectoral proposals, not just in principle but in implementation: combining expertise from public health, veterinary, environmental, and social sciences.
• Sustainability and Policy Impact. Long-term planning and joint statements are vital for ensuring that project-based research translates into institutional change and informs EU policy.
• Lessons from the Field. Real-world exercises reveal gaps and foster connections that cannot be achieved through protocols alone. Belgium’s example shows that “playing” together can be as valuable as planning together.

💡 Final Thoughts:
This webinar underscored the importance of moving beyond disciplinary and institutional boundaries to address complex health threats. Both the BE READY partnership and Belgium’s operational exercises exemplify how research, funding, and practice can be aligned for more resilient, effective One Health systems.

🔗 Interested in joining the conversation? Join the PEITHO Thematic Network on the EU Health Policy Platform: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/hpf/network/home/145

Watch the webinar recording: https://youtu.be/mg5VXGE_THo