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Innovation Foundation At OSU

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Advancing health across boundaries

Our One Health mission
Oklahoma State University embraces a holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Drawing on diverse strengths across colleges and disciplines, OSU seeks to lead in addressing health challenges through a unified and collaborative strategy.

Transforming Health Outcomes

OSU is the home to the state’s leading researchers and experts in human, animal and environmental health — leading the way in research initiatives, industry-defining discoveries and interdisciplinary projects.

Human Health

Individual and community well-being
Resilience and adaptation

Animal Health

Subsistence food safety and sustainability
Stable and healthy wildlife populations

Environment

Safe shelter and sanitation
Safe air, water and plant-based foods

Driving innovations in health care

One Health Shared Services
At the forefront of scientific advancement, our sequencing and biorepository facility is part of the One Health Shared Services at Innovation Foundation, which is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of humans, animals and ecosystems. We envision a world where the intricate connections between living organisms and their environments are understood and respected. At Innovation Park, researchers endeavor to understand how people, animals and the environment can mutually rely on each other to preserve global health and food security. This spans from studying the impact of pollutants and chemicals on plants, animals and humans to enhancing food safety and gaining a deeper understanding of defense against infectious diseases. 
At its core, the One Health initiative at The Innovation Foundation heralds a new era of interdisciplinary collaboration in health care. Through cutting-edge genomic research and meticulous preservation of biological samples, we strive to unlock the secrets of life’s diversity, driving innovations in health care, conserving biodiversity and fostering a sustainable future for all.

Innovating Public Health

Learning health systems integration

Recognizing the importance of Learning Health Systems principles, OSU aims to systematically integrate internal data with external evidence, ensuring higher quality, safer and more efficient care. Continuous learning, real-time evidence application and patient inclusion are fundamental aspects, contributing not only to enhanced health care but also fostering a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected health of humans, animals and the environment.

Innovation & collaboration

OSU's commitment to collaboration is exemplified through the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute, aligning with the One Health philosophy. By uniting faculty and thought leaders, HPNRI focuses on empowering individuals to optimize performance and combat chronic diseases. This collaborative spirit extends to the One Health Collaborative Seed Grant Program, emphasizing the breaking of boundaries for impactful research. Funded projects showcase transdisciplinary collaboration among faculty researchers from different disciplines, fostering innovation in areas such as alternative antimicrobials, antimicrobial resistance and vaccine development.

Research advancements and implications for Oklahomans

OSU’s focus on advancing research in infectious diseases, biosecurity, medical defenses and translational research directly impacts Oklahomans' health. The university's One Health vision will rapidly scale up research on infectious agents and biosecurity, addressing high-priority diseases such as upper respiratory and neurodegenerative diseases caused by infectious or biological agents. This mission mobilizes faculty and research investigators across disciplines to study viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal pathogens as well as vector biology, immune response, antivirals and vaccines. The goal is to advance infection diagnosis, prevention and treatments for diseases threatening animal, human, plant and environmental health.

OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine

A Pillar of One Health Advancement: OSU's College of Veterinary Medicine is a crucial asset for Oklahoma's biosecurity and pandemic preparedness efforts. With decades of expertise in animal health and zoonotic disease research, CVM plays a vital role in advancing the university's One Health initiative, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. The Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, affiliated with CVM, routinely addresses animal disease outbreaks and contributes to the ongoing detection, monitoring and containment of pandemics across the state.

Connecting rural/underserved communities

OSU leverages technology, virtual health and workforce development to connect rural and underserved communities, aligning with the land-grant commitment to community engagement. This aims to bridge gaps, reduce disparities and foster economic growth. The commitment to the future of work, entrepreneurship and workforce innovation positions OSU as a leader in promoting public health and empowering individuals in these communities.

Stakeholder implications

OSU's enhanced One Health vision, deeply rooted in the land-grant tradition, demonstrates a steadfast commitment to holistic well-being. The collaborative effort, innovative solutions and transdisciplinary research create a powerful alliance for positive outcomes and improved health across the state. Stakeholders, implicitly represented by organizations with health-focused missions, should care deeply about the potential positive impact on Oklahomans' health and well-being. The collaborative, future-focused approach positions OSU as a catalyst for change and improvement in public health outcomes throughout the region.

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