As the OH-Boost project approaches its final stage, consortium partners have come together over the past months for a series of targeted exploitation workshops aimed at maximizing the impact and sustainability of project outcomes. These workshops focused on institutional collaboration, commercialization of research, and strategic planning for the newly established One Health Center.
One workshop was dedicated to enhancing collaboration within the consortium through sustainable student and staff exchange programs. With expert input from Karoli Koiv, Chief Specialist of Foreign Affairs at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, participants explored Erasmus+ mobility structures, funding mechanisms, and the process of establishing long-term inter-institutional agreements. The session provided valuable insights into visiting professor programs and models for integrating teaching and research in mobility initiatives.
Another workshop focused on the commercialization potential of milk extracellular vesicles (EVs), highlighting their applications in diagnostics and cell growth support. Participants discussed intellectual property protection strategies in biological sciences, shared experiences with business funding across different countries, and explored pathways for transitioning academic research into viable commercial products. The collaboration between Milan and Helsinki universities was emphasized as a model for international innovation.
The third workshop centered on the strategic launch of the One Health Center at the Estonian University of Life Sciences. Discussions covered the center’s structure, its role in promoting One Health education and research, and its focus on biopreparedness in response to environmental and geopolitical challenges. Participants discussed potential collaboration as a part of the Center and international governance models for health collaboration.
These workshops have laid a strong foundation for continued cooperation, innovation, and impact beyond the project’s formal conclusion. The consortium remains committed to advancing One Health principles through education, research, and global partnerships.