One Health Summer School

One Health works towards the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and explores how health of humans, animals, other organisms and the environment are inextricably linked. As proven by the Covid-19 pandemic, health challenges that stem from the complex interaction between humans, animals, plants and ecosystems call for a review of existing concepts and methods. Tighter collaboration across sectors and disciplines – including life sciences, public health and social sciences – is crucial.

The Una Europa One Health Summer School will bring together students and staff from across our Alliance and beyond to explore these interdisciplinary issues and work towards building solutions together. You will develop your knowledge of One Health and/ or Planetary Health by tackling a related global challenge, working with other undergraduate students from European and International universities to develop and pitch an idea.

• Innovative, interdisciplinary programme

Experience a ground-breaking interdisciplinary summer school in the focus area of One Health and Planetary Health, designed by world-leading academics from Una Europa partner universities.

• Develop your international and multicultural network

We have designed a highly collaborative and interactive programme where you will work closely with peers, mentors and academics. Join a multicultural student community with students studying across Europe and beyond.

• Solve global challenges and develop transferable skills

In taking on real-life challenges that affect us all and coming up with innovative solutions, you will demonstrate in-demand skills for your CV, developing your team work, communication, research and presentation skills.

During the summer school held in Edinburgh, the academic programme will include approximately 16 hours per week of lectures, seminars, and collaborative group work, complemented by a social and cultural programme. Week One will build on the preparatory programme by further investigating the various concepts in One Health and Planetary Health before participants begin working in groups to explore specific challenges, conduct preliminary research, and share their results with everyone. In Week Two, our groups will work creatively to identify potential solutions and develop a pitch which effectively communicates their idea to others.

This non-credit-bearing summer school is designed to provide an enriching academic experience that will develop your transferrable skills while also providing you with the space to experience Scotland and its capital city through a bespoke series of social and cultural activities. Students from our Una Europa partner universities will have the opportunity explore the city of Edinburgh, and students from the University of Edinburgh will gain leadership opportunities while showing off their university and their city. The summer school will also overlap with the start of the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year!

By the end of the summer school, you will be able to:

• describe and compare One Health and Planetary Health concepts;
• describe opportunities and challenges, strengths and weaknesses associated with One Health/ Planetary Health approaches to addressing global challenges;
• work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team developing a new, integrated approach;
• communicate concepts of One Health/ Planetary Health to non-specialist audiences;
• develop employability skills and an awareness of career opportunities in the broader One Health/ Planetary Health sector.

The One Health Summer School welcomes applications from Una Europa students who have completed a minimum of one year of your undergraduate degree (BA or undergraduate MA) by the time of application. This experience is designed for undergraduate students from a wide range of disciplines, but we may consider applications from students at other levels of study.

If accepted to the programme, you will be joined by a diverse group of students from our Una Europa partner institutions.