One Health Research Foundation Gains 501(c)(3) Status

The One Health Research Foundation (OHRF) has announced its formation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity. Based in Florida, with an office at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) in St. Kitts, the OHRF promotes a mission to improve human, animal, and environmental health in the United States and abroad—with a special focus on the Caribbean—through support of integrative, multidisciplinary research and innovation.

“The One Health Research Foundation aims to be recognized as a premier charitable organization that promotes and advances a One Health, transdisciplinary approach to address societal needs,” said Robert Bergquist, MD, PhD, OHRF board president.

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The foundation provides support to qualified scientists, students, and programs through grants focused on these areas:

• Animal models of human and animal diseases
• Antimicrobial and anthelmintic resistance
• Clinical and regenerative medicine
• Human-animal interactions and wellness
• Veterinary and medical education
• Zoonotic, vector-borne, and other infectious/parasitic diseases

Established in 2017, the OHRF is comprised of a board of directors that meets at least twice a year to review and set policies, procedures, and budgets, and to oversee the grant-making process. All program funding and philanthropic resources for the organization come from grants and contributions from publicly supported organizations, government units, and the public. For its part, RUSVM contributes to the foundation and provides research space on campus.

“One Health Research Foundation provides support to qualified scientists and students, partners and programs through grants for research, innovation, and training, primarily aimed at security in relation to zoonotic, vector-borne and other infectious/parasitic diseases, food and feed safety, ecosystem health, and health with reference to human-animal interactions,” Dr. Bergquist said.