OHBP members from UHI’s Environmental Research Institute and NHS Highland are involved in the “Bridging Waters” project funded by the Scottish Government’s Education Exchange programme to develop collaborative research and KE activity with Uppsala University. The group undertook a visit Uppsala to progress research activity in One Health, pharmaceutical pollution and sustainable healthcare with the Department of Pharmacy, Swedish healthcare professionals, and the the Swedish Medical Products Agency – Knowledge Centre of Pharmaceuticals in the Environment. The project support additional activity to strengthen Scottish-Swedish collaboration across One Health by supporting engagement with representatives from the Scottish Association for Marine Science (a UHI partner) and UHI’s Life Science Innovation Centre. While in Sweden the group met with representations from the Campus Gotland Blue Centre, the Uppsala Antibiotic Centre, the Uppsala University Conflicting Objectives Research Nexus at the Centre for Environment and Development Studies, the Centre for Environment and Development Studies, and Swedish Water to expand the network and discuss next stage project opportunities in One Health, sustainable healthcare, antimicrobial resistance, and pharmaceutical pollution.
Find more about the exchange visit here: Link
Project background: The project aims to enhance cross-national collaboration between the the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) in Scotland and Uppsala University in Sweden, including its Gotland Campus, to develop sustainable practices in pharmaceutical use and environmental health. By fostering interdisciplinary research and education, this partnership seeks to address pharmaceutical pollution, water quality, and the interconnected health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. The project emphasises the One Health approach, and seeks to develop innovative, cross-national solutions by establishing a collaborative network that brings together researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. Through joint research, exchange programs, and knowledge dissemination, the project aspires to identify and implement sustainable pharmaceutical practices across both Scotland and Sweden.