“Infectious diseases are a continuous threat to the health of humans and animals”
Chantal Reusken appointed Professor of Emerging Viruses in One Health Context
The Executive Board has appointed Chantal Reusken as Professor of Emerging Viruses in One Health Context at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Utrecht ľϸӰ with effect from 1 June 2025. The chair contributes to a better understanding, prevention and control of emerging viruses that threaten animal and human health. “The COVID-19 pandemic is an exemplary illustration of a single zoonotic virus’ impact on our society.”
What does this appointment mean for you?
“I see this professorship as an excellent opportunity to contribute to the protection of human and animal health. In addition, I want to strengthen the collaboration between the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Centre for Infectious Disease Control at the RIVM. This works both ways. On the one hand, this chair offers the opportunity to inform RIVM’s activities with fundamental science; on the other hand, we can enrich the faculty’s research from a public health perspective. I also look forward to contributing to veterinary education.”
What do you think is the most important goal of the chair?
“To strengthen preparedness for threats to veterinary and public health. This chair forms an important link between the human and veterinary fields, connecting expertise, infrastructure, and networks. In this way, I aim to contribute to the prevention and control of emerging viruses that appear at the human-animal interface. Additionally, the chair aims to further educate future veterinarians about the public health aspects, including control, research and monitoring of viral zoonoses. That is also an important task.”
What is the societal relevance of this chair?
“Infectious diseases are a continuous threat to the health of humans and animals. About eighty percent of emerging infectious diseases in humans are of animal origin, so-called zoonoses, many of which come from wild animals. The outbreak of corona and influenza viruses have shown how significant the societal impact of such zoonoses can be. Evaluations of the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the surveillance and control of emerging viruses. This chair contributes to the essential scientific foundation for such preparedness by linking fundamental science to the need for knowledge in the field of disease control.”
Besides her professorship at Utrecht ľϸӰ, Reusken serves as Principal Expert Virology at the Centre for Infectious Disease Control at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
Why are we doing this research at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine?
The health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are inextricably connected. That's why we study these themes at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine from a broader perspective. In this way, we contribute to a better world.