The Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy at the Russian-Armenian University (RAU) organized a session dedicated to the One Health concept and presented its research and educational activities at COP17.

The session featured presentations on environmental risks, soil conditions, and pollution. Roxana Zakharyan, Director of the Institute, spoke about factors affecting human health, while Anna Grigoryan, Head of the Department of General and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, presented research on soil-related issues. Representatives of RAU’s Institute of Molecular Biology and Institute of Ecosphere Studies also took part.

“Participation in COP17 gives us an opportunity to present the university’s research and educational activities and engage in professional dialogue on issues that require an interdisciplinary approach. The One Health concept is particularly important, as environmental conditions, ecological risks, and human health are closely interconnected,” said Roxana Zakharyan.

In addition to the scientific session, the Institute joined the COP17 exhibition programme as a member of the Coalition of Universities Supporting Biodiversity. RAU was provided with a pavilion where staff, postgraduate students, and undergraduates presented information about the university’s academic programmes and research areas. The Institute also received a WWF pavilion free of charge as part of Science and Education Day.

COP17, the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, is being held in Yerevan from October 19 to 30.