AnimalHealth@i3S
8 July 2026 | i3S, Porto, Portugal
When we speak about biomedical research, we usually focus on research aiming towards tackling human health issues. But there are many arguments why we should not consider research into human health in isolation from that into the health of other animal species.
Humans and animals share fundamental biological systems: immune responses, genetics, organ function, and disease pathways. By studying disease mechanisms in animals, scientists can uncover insights that directly translate to human medicine. Likewise, breakthroughs in human biomedicine can improve veterinary care. Integration accelerates innovation on both sides, avoiding duplicated effort and enabling faster, more cost-effective discoveries. A coordinated research framework reduces redundancy and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration.
Within i3S, a significant number of researchers and groups are already working on animal health and related fields. We are now launching AnimalHealth@i3S to make this research more visible internally and externally. AnimalHealth@i3S is also intended as a starting point for more interactions between researchers working with animal health, across institutions.
We are inviting researchers and students from the research ecosystem of University of Porto and beyond to join us for an afternoon of talks and discussion about how to develop research that benefits other animals as well as humans.
Organizer: Anna Olsson
Venue
The meeting will be held at i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde.
Rua Alfredo Allen, 208; 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
Tel: +351 226 074 900 | Site: http://www.i3s.up.pt/ | E-mail: events@i3s.up.pt
GPS coordinates: 41º 10’ 30.008’’ N, 8º 36’ 12.488’’ W.
Program
Mariano Gago Auditorium
|
14h00 - 14h10 |
Opening |
Claudio Sunkel (i3S) |
| 14h10 - 16h10 | Research presentations |
Advances in Drug Discovery and Surveillance Strategies for Canine Leishmaniosis Joana Tavares (i3S) Crossing Species, Expanding Knowledge: Lessons from Emerging Viruses João Mesquita (ICBAS) Challenges in Translational Veterinary Immunology: Evaluating Vaccine Efficacy Across Murine and Bovine Models Alexandra Correia (i3S) Bioengineered Outer Membrane Vesicle Vaccines for Enhanced Fish Health and Welfare Inês Loureiro (i3S) Fetal-Inspired Solutions for Back Pain: Paving the Way Toward Veterinary Translation Joana Caldeira (i3S) The Regenera Project - A cell-based therapy for Veterinary Medicine Ana Colette Maurício (ICBAS) |
| 16h10 - 16h40 | Coffee break | |
| 16h40 - 17h30 |
Presentations of collaborative initiatives |
Vet-Onconet – companion animals as sentinels in Cancer, AMR and Chemical Exposure João Niza Ribeiro (ICBAS) Laboratory animal medicine research opportunities at i3S rodent facility Sofia Lamas (i3S) Fostering links between students and research in animal health and welfare: the researcher perspective Anna Olsson (i3S) Fostering links between students and research in animal health and welfare: the teacher perspective Irina Amorim (ICBAS + i3S), Claúdia Batista (ICBAS)
|
| 17h30 | General discussion + wrap-up | Anna Olsson (i3S) |
Registration
Registration is free, but mandatory until June 30th.
Information
More information:
Events Management Unit | Rua Alfredo Allen 208 | 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
Email: events@i3s.up.pt | Tel: +351 226 074 900
