26 November 2024
From November 20 to 22, 2024, the OneBAT consortium gathered for the M12 General Assembly at the University of Pécs, Hungary. This pivotal event marked the start of the second year of the project, a crucial phase where the first results of a year-long effort are beginning to emerge. Hosted by project partner Gábor Kemenesi and his team, the assembly offered a platform for sharing progress, discussing challenges, and planning the next steps.
The event began with a welcome from Gábor Kemenesi, who highlighted the hosting institution’s role and contributions to the project. Paola De Benedictis, Project Coordinator from the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, delivered a detailed overview of the progress made so far, setting a solid foundation for the discussions to come. The consortium reflected on the milestones achieved, emphasizing the collaboration and dedication that have driven the project forward.
Throughout the first day, several presentations illuminated key areas of research. Insights into bat ecology and the interactions between bats, humans, and animals were shared, alongside detailed findings on the mapped distribution of Miniopterus. Discussions delved into the dynamics of pathogen transmission within bat reservoirs and their potential spillover hosts, highlighting the significance of understanding zoonotic risks.
The second day was dedicated to exploring new methodological advancements and tools developed by the consortium. Presentations covered progress in assessing human susceptibility and zoonotic potential, showcasing the integrated approach that defines OneBAT. Significant achievements included the development of a phenotyping tool, which has already yielded promising results, and the sharing of recently collected data that will guide future studies.
The final day turned attention to the broader impact of the project. Discussions focused on communication and dissemination strategies, emphasizing efforts to engage stakeholders and raise awareness of the project’s goals and findings. The exploitation of results also featured prominently, highlighting the potential applications and long-term benefits of the consortium’s work. Internal discussions concluded the assembly, reinforcing the commitment of all partners to achieving the ambitious objectives of OneBAT.
Pictures of the event can be find below.
