Hosted by the University of Helsinki and its Helsinki One Health research network, the One Health Summer School took place at the Lammi Biological Research Station from June 24 to 28, 2024, following an online session on June 4. This event was part of the Una Europa initiative—a collaboration among 11 leading European universities—and focused on the emerging field of One Health. This field integrates life and social sciences to address complex health challenges affecting humans, animals, and the environment.
The summer school brought together 42 doctoral students from all Una Europa member universities and selected partner institutions, including the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (Ukraine), the University of Nairobi and Strathmore University (Kenya), and the University of Abomey-Calavi (Benin). The students represented 21 nationalities and a wide range of academic disciplines, including biomedical and veterinary sciences, environmental sciences, law, health policy, sociology, and literary studies.
With perfect Finnish summer weather, participants also enjoyed recreational activities such as swimming, sauna sessions, cycling, and watching the UEFA EURO 2024. This blend of rigorous academic work and relaxation made the event a memorable and enriching experience for both students and staff.
The academic program, led by Associate Professor Tarja Sironen and Professor Sarah Green, featured a multidisciplinary approach to One Health. The curriculum was designed to foster cross-disciplinary communication, with each lecture by a life scientist being critically discussed by a social scientist, and vice versa. Highlights included hands-on activities at Saari Veterinary Clinic and immersive experiences at the biological station, facilitating continuous exchange of ideas among participants.
"The summer school was an unforgettable experience showcasing the unique, multidisciplinary expertise that we have at the University of Helsinki. We challenged ourselves to rethink our own teaching and thinking, and it led into the most inspiring discussions with our brilliant students and among us teachers", remarks Tarja Sironen.
Participants praised the summer school's innovative approach and the diverse, multidisciplinary environment it created. Feedback from students highlighted the program's ability to challenge their perspectives, deepen their understanding of One Health, and build lasting professional and personal connections. Some participants shared their thoughts:
"It was a colossal experience that allowed me to look at my scientific work from a different angle."
"The best part was the people from different backgrounds and disciplines coming together and sharing thoughts and ideas."
"In conclusion, science is fun and interesting, but it has to be put in a societal context for it to also become relevant."
The next Una Europa One Health Summer School will be hosted in 2025 by Freie Universität Berlin.
The Una Europa One Health Summer Schoolsare part of the Una.Futura project, co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Programme’s European Universities Initiative. The 2024 school was also supported by MSD.
The 2024 Summer School was the first activity coordinated by the University of Helsinki under the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), furthering the university's commitment to interdisciplinary and international collaboration. Solid financial support made it possible for students from a variety of backgrounds to apply and participate in the course.
Previous Summer Schools have been hosted by the University of Edinburgh (2022) and KU Leuven (2023).
University of Helsinki and One Health
One Health is an interdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, One Health aims to develop comprehensive strategies to prevent and manage diseases, promote health, and ensure sustainable ecosystems. This holistic perspective is crucial for addressing global issues such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change.
At the University of Helsinki, One Health is a strategic profiling research area. The HOH Helsinki One Health network coordinates and facilitates One Health activities through key measures such as shared professorships between faculties and institutes, joint seminars and workshops, and international networking—most notably through the Una Europa One Health focus area. The network also connects with researchers in neighboring strategic areas such as Sustainability and Inequality. The University of Helsinki served as the first chair of the Una Europa One Health focus area and has maintained an active role since then.