By Alistina Shrestha
The Regional Network Office for Urban Safety (RNUS) at the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) and the Institute of Industrial Science (IIS) at The University of Tokyo, in recently organized the third Joint Student Seminar on One Health One World (OHOW) from August 6-8, 2024, at the Milton E. Bender Jr. Auditorium, AIT. This seminar brought together students from leading universities in Japan and Thailand, including AIT, The University of Tokyo, Shibaura Institute of Technology, and Hokkaido University, to present their research ideas focused on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
The seminar addressed a wide range of topics, including disaster and infectious disease, transportation and human mobility, structural and geotechnical engineering for human safety, ecology, and environmental impact of public health, climate change and green recovery, remote sensing, and GIS. The objective was to share research, foster international friendships, and improve presentation skills among students from major Asian universities.
The seminar featured participation from students and faculty members from several prestigious institutions, including the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), The University of Tokyo, Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), and Hokkaido University (HU). The event was graced by notable guests and speakers, including Prof. Takeuchi Wataru from IIS-The University of Tokyo, Assistant Professor Hiroyuki Hasada from IIS-The University of Tokyo, Prof. Pennung Warnitchai, Project Coordinator and faculty member of Structural Engineering Program, SET , Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of SET, Associate Professor Kuo-Chieh Chao, Head of the Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, and Prof. Vilas Nitivattananon from the Department of Development and Sustainability at AIT’s School of Environment, Resources, and Development.
Over the course of three days, 30 student presentations and special lectures highlighted innovative approaches to restoring balance between ecology and human activities. The research addressed critical global challenges such as public health crises, animal diseases, and environmental degradation. The seminar emphasized how integrated, cross-disciplinary research is essential in achieving sustainable solutions that benefit both local and global communities.
On the seminar’s final day, students had the opportunity to explore Thailand’s rich cultural heritage during a technical tour to Ayutthaya. This tour, which included a visit to the Flood Drainage Canal of the Bang Ban-Bang Sai Project, allowed students to witness modern infrastructure efforts to mitigate flooding issues in the region.
The seminar concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the most outstanding student presentations. TThese awards celebrated the innovative ideas and research efforts that contribute to the ‘One Health, One World’ vision, reinforcing the need for continued investment in research that bridges the gaps between human, animal, and environmental health.
The seminar was generously supported by The University of Tokyo, which played a pivotal role in making this collaborative event a success. This event not only strengthened academic ties between the participating institutions but also had a tangible impact on the students, equipping them with the knowledge and networks necessary to tackle some of the world’s most pressing health and environmental challenges.
