A framework for One Health research

Lebov, J.; Grieger, K.; Womack, D.; Zaccaro, D.; Whitehead, N.; Kowalcyk, B.; MacDonald, P.D.M.

While we provide a framework that promotes an OH study design covering all three health domains, we also recognize that there are indeed significant challenges and obstacles to implementing OH research in practice. These challenges include, but are not limited to, the need for improved collaborations across disciplines and administrative barriers, improved science-based risk management policies, and improved manpower and research infrastructure capacity in developing countries in particular [27] . In addition, significant challenges to conducting OH research may also arise if funding agencies do not provide effective mechanisms to support interdisciplinary OH research [1] . Though many have argued in favor of trans-disciplinary research [24, [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] , ecological and veterinary science remain largely segregated from human health research [33] . The OH approach to research will continue to advance through demonstration of effective collaboration with key stakeholders. Although progress has been made to foster OH research networks [3, [34] [35] [36] , funding agencies in various sectors should do more to encourage collaborative work across the disciplines of human and ecological health. Encouraging these multidisciplinary research efforts, especially at the conception and planning phases, will help scientists develop innovative solutions to complex and inter-related human, animal, and environmental health threats.