Animal research, including veterinary trials, has a direct impact on humans and vice-versa. With this in mind, the symposium will feature several sessions and roundtables led by prominent scientists engaged in applying one-health and one-medicine based approaches that recognize the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. 

Our symposium will explore diverse topics, from zoonotic diseases like COVID-19 to innovative cancer therapies, and integrated solutions for both veterinary and human patients. Key areas of focus include the gut microbiome's role in health and wellness, encompassing cell-to-cell communication with the host, the impact of exercise on microbiome composition, and the importance of mitochondrial metabolism in development, exercise, and healthy aging. Additionally, we will examine the public health impacts of zoonotic diseases, the necessity of robust disease surveillance and mitigation strategies, and the socio-economic effects of disease burden in rural populations. Finally, we will discuss the social dimensions of rural economic development, emphasizing the importance of healthcare access, education, and community cohesion in fostering sustainable growth.