One Health Researchers' Lab Building Knowledge and Skills while fostering Wellbeing across the PhD journey
Organized within the prestigious setting of the Lake Como School of Advanced Studies, the One Health Researchers’ Lab represents an opportunity for the scientific and personal growth of 35 students enrolled in the National PhD programme in One Health Approaches to Infectious Diseases and Life Science Research, promoting an integrated approach to research, collaboration, and well-being throughout the academic journey.
All information and the registration form are available below and at the this link.
The One Health Researcher Lab Summer School offers a unique, dual-track program that combines scientific training with personal and professional development. Each day will be structured in two complementary components:
- the educational track will focus on the scientific and public health dimensions of infectious disease emergence and response
- the mentoring track will address the human side of academic life, offering tools to build resilience, foster collaboration, and thrive during the PhD journey and beyond.
Finally, during the week, participants will work in small groups to develop a scientific project proposal. After an introductory lecture about the basic principles of grant-writing, each group will develop and present their project; the most compelling proposal will be awarded the PhD One Health Prize.
Educational track – from the emergence of a new infectious threat to public health decision making
The scientific sessions of the One Health Researcher Lab Summer School will guide participants through a structured exploration of how infectious diseases emerge, spread, and are addressed through research, healthcare, and policy-making.
The programme begins by examining the broader systemic forces, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and intensive land use, that drive the emergence of infectious threats. The sessions then will examine the mechanisms underlying cross-species transmission, highlighting the crucial role of surveillance and early detection in preventing infectious disease outbreaks. As the week progresses, participants will also explore the use of epidemiological models to simulate the dynamics of infectious disease transmission and evaluate the impact of public health interventions, while also engaging with recent advances in scientific innovation, including the development of new vaccines and treatments. The program concludes with a focus on the translation of scientific evidence into policy and global health action.
Through lectures, panel discussions, and hands-on sessions with leading experts, this track offers participants a rare opportunity to gain both a theoretical foundation and a practical lens on the response to emerging infectious disease threats, anchored in the One Health approach.
Mentoring Track – Building skills and support for thriving in Academia
While scientific knowledge is crucial, thriving in academia also requires emotional balance, practical skills, and a supportive network. The resilience sessions are designed to create space for reflection, skill-building, and peer collaboration, offering participants the tools to sustain both personal well-being and professional ambition.
The program of the mentoring track includes sessions about the following topics:
- mental well-being in academia: dedicated workshops on stress management, work-life balance, and coping with pressure and uncertainty;
- soft skills for academic success: training in communication, teamwork, project planning, and managing academic relationships.
Alongside workshops and group activities, the mentoring track will include social events to enhance networking. In particular, the program will begin with a welcome aperitif on Monday, September 22nd, and will feature a social dinner on Thursday, September 25th. Participants will also take part in a group excursion around Lake Como, offering a memorable opportunity to connect in a relaxed setting.
The School is open to 35 qualified PhD students.
Registration fee: 230 euro (VAT 22% included).
The fee covers: all lectures; course material; wi-fi connections; lunches and coffee breaks; opening cocktail and social dinner. The fee does NOT cover accommodation and travel.
Prospective participants have to fill out and submit the form below, and upload:
- their academic curriculum vitae, including scientific publications, conference presentations, and any other relevant research activities (mandatory);
- a structured or unstructured abstract (maximum 300 words) describing either a study in which they were actively involved or their current research activity (preferred but not required);
- one or more letters of recommendation (preferred but not required).
Scholarships
Two kinds of scholarships are available for outstanding applicants:
- one Camillo Golgi Scholarship, which covers the registration fee, accommodation, and other travel expenses;
- five Johann Peter Frank Scholarships, covering the registration fee.