Field research: Investigating human–wildlife interactions

An international summer school titled "One Health: Human–Wildlife Interaction" was held in Armenia from April 23 to May 2, aiming to explore human–wildlife–ecosystem interactions, study disease transmission, and advance both theoretical and practical knowledge in these fields.

The summer school was jointly organized by the Chair of Zoology YSU, the Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology at NAS RA, and three universities in Vienna: the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, the Medical University of Vienna, and the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna.

The program included lectures by leading experts from the aforementioned universities, as well as laboratory sessions and field studies. About two dozen students from YSU and international universities participated in the program.

As part of the summer school, field research was conducted near the villages of Hors in Vayots Dzor Province and Hankavan in Kotayk Province. During these studies, participants were introduced to various wildlife monitoring methods tailored to the specific characteristics of each landscape.

At the Molecular Parasitology Laboratory of the Institute of Zoology under NAS RA Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology, participants performed animal dissections and conducted research on various parasites.

On the final day of the summer school, students completed a final examination, earning 3 ECTS credits. Certificates of participation were awarded upon successful completion.

This summer school was implemented within the framework of the project "Strengthening Genetic Biocontrol Capacities under Climate Change in Armenia," funded through APPEAR program with the support of the Austrian Development Cooperation and OeAD.