MSU AgBioResearch Complements University’s One Team, One Health Approach

This article shares how MSU AgBioResearch supports the overall university’s focus on One Health, a concept that emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant and environmental health. Click here view a podcast from MSU AgBioResearch Director George Smith and College of Natural Science Dean Eric Hegg on MSU’s approach to One Health.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Since 1888, Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists have endeavored to discover dynamic solutions for growers, producers and ranchers as part of a nationwide network of agricultural experiment stations. Today, the AgBioResearch mission has expanded to reflect a more robust research portfolio that includes agriculture, health and the environment.

Woven throughout the organization is One Health,

a concept that highlights the connection among humans, animals, plants and the environment. Although it’s not a new idea, One Health has become increasingly relevant as human interactions with animals and ecosystems continue to evolve due to population growth, land use changes and international trade.

These shifts can create a multitude of threats, such as food insecurity, a heightened risk of zoonotic diseases that spread from animals to humans, antimicrobial resistance, environmental degradation and water quality issues.

“It’s essential to recognize that all of these systems are interrelated and dependent on one another to remain healthy,” said George Smith, AgBioResearch director. “To solve these complex problems, we must bring together and catalyze collaborations among experts from a variety of human, animal, plant and environmental health fields who can speak to the unique aspects of their work.

“We can’t solve anything by operating in silos, and that’s why we’re excited about our work in AgBioResearch and how it complements the overall MSU emphasis on One Health.”

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Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists discover dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment. More than 300 MSU faculty conduct leading-edge research on a variety of topics, from health and agriculture to natural resources. Originally formed in 1888 as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU AgBioResearch oversees numerous on-campus research facilities, as well as 15 outlying centers throughout Michigan. To learn more, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu.