A new Pitt Public Health partnership will focus on connections between people and the environment

A new partnership between Pitt’s School of Public Health and UNIC Health in Cyprus will focus on joint research initiatives and developing an online master of science degree program in One Health, an approach to public health that recognizes connections between people and the environment.

“This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to combine our institutions’ expertise and resources,” said Maureen Lichtveld, dean of the Pitt School of Public Health. “By working together, we can enhance our global reach in public health education and research, ultimately benefiting both our students and the communities we serve.”

The two institutions have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding establishing a framework for comprehensive academic collaboration and exchange. The collaboration includes joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, shared academic resources and organization of joint academic events.

“This collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh's School of Public Health aligns perfectly with our strategic vision for international academic partnerships,” said Andreas Charalambous, executive vice president of UNIC Health. “The agreement will create valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and strengthen both institutions' capabilities in addressing global health challenges.”

The joint MSc program will equip graduates with core knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of One Health, offering cutting-edge, cross-border and cross-disciplinary education. The program will be co-delivered by the University of Nicosia Medical School and School of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology.

“This collaboration marks a significant step forward in advancing One Health education globally, said Suresh Kuchipudi, chair of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology in Pitt’s School of Public Health. “By combining our expertise in infectious diseases and microbiology with UNIC Health's comprehensive medical and veterinary programs, we are creating a unique educational opportunity that will prepare the next generation of One Health leaders to address complex global health challenges.”