ID030 Keele One Health Institute

The Idea

It became increasingly clear that the Covid-19 and other emergent infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance and climate change all represent an existential threat to our way of life in the 21st Century, and the greatest demonstration in modern history of how human, animal and environmental wellbeing, the three One Health domains are interconnected. 

The Idea is to establish a ‘One health’ research hub in Midland which goes along with Keele’s sustainability theme. The institute can potentially generate income by delivering a masters course (both online and on campus) on One health. In the future, the institute can also generate research funds targeting local and international donors. The institute will facilitate more formal collaboration with organizations such as the United Nations bodies such as Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) and World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).  

With the establishment of fully accredited joint Vet School, adding to what makes Keele distinct as a University with  Sustained ecosystem (Life science GGE), Healthy animals and humans (Vet, Medicine and Life Science) and Prevention AMR (Pharmacy, Vet, Medicine), I feel that establishing a physical Keele Institute of One Health with leadership roles could be a worthwhile vision for the university to contribute to the wider One Health agenda. Keele has many existing facilities available to start such institute with a very low budget.

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

Emerging zoonotic and non-zoonotic infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change are all impacting on human, animal and environmental health including impact on trade at regional, national and global economies. There is opportunity for Keele to establish a One Health Institute. The University already has strengths in human health, environmental science, including animal health from the joint vet school. More recently there has been discussions and interest between the schools that have identified One Health could offer a great opportunity for research amongst other areas that will enhance Keele reputation and impact. 

How We Would Implement This Idea

• Formally gather interest from the relevant schools 
• Where relevant, incorporate One Health into the university curricula, ensuring the next generation is trained in interdisciplinary, holistic thinking. 
• Establish a steering committee comprising of those from public health, animal health, human and environmental health 
• Develop a shared vision with clear, measurable goals for addressing zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental threat 
• Year 1 priority - Opening A 1 Year One Health masters course   

What Success Would Look Like

• Keele will  become a local/regional one health research hub  
• Measure success through clear outcomes, including research income generation through solving/finding solutions through One Health approach  
• Better scope to collaborate with FAO, WOAH and WHO