Four universities for One Health

In collaboration with the Medical University of Innsbruck, the Free University of Bolzano and the University of Innsbruck, Vetmeduni is launching OHASIS, an interdisciplinary PhD programme at the interface between human medicine, veterinary medicine, environmental sciences and societal applications. Applications for the nine PhD places are open until 15 August 2026.

The Alpine region is a highly sensitive ecosystem that is subject to rapid, climate-induced changes. In particular, the interplay between wildlife, agriculture, food production and intensive fertiliser management leads to complex ecological and health pressures. Recent findings show that this highly sensitive interface accelerates the spread of zoonoses, impairs soil and water quality, and poses a direct threat to the health of humans, animals and the environment – creating an urgent need for integrative ONE HEALTH strategies.

Driven by a strong alliance of four leading Alpine universities in Austria and Italy, OHASIS (One Health for the Alpine Region: Solutions and Innovation in Science) brings together a consortium of renowned experts in zoonoses, the dynamics of infectious diseases, antibiotic and fungal resistance, food microbiomics, mountain agronomy, agroecology and public veterinary health. These experts are pooling their expertise across three interlinked research clusters: Alpine Meadows (strengthening the microbial resilience of Alpine food production systems), Alpine Manure (sustainable fertiliser management) and Vector-Borne Infections in the Alpine Region.

The newly advertised PhD positions are based at Vetmeduni, the Medical University of Innsbruck and the Free University of Bolzano, with the University of Innsbruck serving as a key network partner. Further information on the application requirements and the selection process can be found on the Vetmeduni website: Vetmeduni: OHASIS PhD programme