Wednesday, December 18, 2024
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In the heart of north-central Oklahoma, a groundbreaking initiative at Oklahoma State
University is poised to transform the region into a thriving life science hub.
Anchored by the One Health Innovation Lab, which is housed in the state-of-the-art
Venture One Health Building at Innovation Park, this facility is a beacon of collaboration
and contract services for scientists, researchers and businesses.
Providing resources and propelling transdisciplinary applied research, The Innovation
Foundation at OSU leads this visionary effort of collaboration and innovation.
“The One Health initiative at OSU marks a groundbreaking approach to health care,
emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health,” said
Dr. Samuel Jeyasingh, One Health Innovation Lab director. “Research efforts focus
on understanding how these domains intersect to safeguard global health and biosecurity.”
The lab will tackle complex health challenges by fostering interdisciplinary research
spanning multiple domains while leveraging university assets such as studying the
impact of pollutants on ecosystems to improving biosafety regarding food safety, infectious
diseases and bioterrorism.
The lab is a nexus for research conducted across the university’s extensive network,
including the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Center for Health Sciences, OSU
Agriculture, OSU Extension and the National Center for Wellness & Recovery.
These cutting-edge facilities, including an advanced biorepository, can store millions
of biospecimens and will serve as a critical resource for researchers and industry
partners alike. By housing physical and digital signatures of specimens from plants,
animals and humans, the lab creates a unique One Health library that will support
groundbreaking research and commercialization efforts.
It is a dynamic platform for innovation, enabling the conservation of biodiversity
and the development of new therapies, diagnostics and scientific products.
“By embracing the One Health approach, we are not just advancing research as a Carnegie
R1 institution; we are fostering a holistic understanding of health that unites animals,
people and the environment,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said. “As a land-grant university,
we are helping the world in finding solutions to health challenges we all face.”
The One Health Innovation Lab’s mission extends beyond research, forging meaningful
collaborations to drive economic growth and advance public health. By partnering with
private industry, federal agencies and nonprofit organizations, the lab creates a
collaborative ecosystem that fuels innovation and accelerates the translation of research
into real-world solutions. This commitment to public-private partnerships aligns with
OSU’s strategic goals and enhances the university’s ability to contribute to global
health and biosecurity.
This emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic partnerships is instrumental
in positioning OSU at the forefront of One Health research, innovation and sequencing
services. As the lab attracts top talent and fosters groundbreaking discoveries, it
also enhances OSU’s institutional impact, regionally and globally. The One Health
Innovation Lab’s commitment to holistic public health underscores its vital role in
shaping a healthier future for all.
“The One Health Innovation Lab presents unparalleled opportunities for collaboration
and advancement in the biological sciences,” said Elizabeth Pollard, CEO of The Innovation
Foundation at OSU.
“With more than 25 years working in life science collaboratively with public and private
partners, I can attest that our One Health strategy is positioned for significant
impact in interdisciplinary research and innovation, attracting talent and fostering
partnerships that drive economic growth for our community and beyond.”
Photos by: Gary Lawson
Story by: Cody Cramer | STATE Magazine
This post was originally published on here
