28 April 2025
The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health and UNIC Health have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a framework for comprehensive academic collaboration and exchange.
The partnership will focus on joint research initiatives, academic exchanges, and educational partnerships, with a priority emphasis on developing a joint online MSc in One Health. This programme will be co-delivered by the University of Nicosia Medical School, School of Veterinary Medicine, and the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology.
Prof Maureen Lichtveld, Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh, stated: ‘This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to combine our institutions’ expertise and resources. By working together, we can enhance our global reach in public health education and research, ultimately benefiting both our students and the communities we serve’.
Prof Suresh Kuchipudi, Chair of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh, added: ‘This collaboration marks a significant step forward in advancing One Health education globally. By combining our expertise in infectious diseases and microbiology with UNIC Health’s comprehensive medical and veterinary programmes, we are creating a unique educational opportunity that will prepare the next generation of One Health leaders to address complex global health challenges’.
Prof Andreas Charalambous, Executive Vice President of UNIC Health, commented: ‘This collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health aligns perfectly with our strategic vision for international academic partnerships. The agreement will create valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and strengthen both institutions’ capabilities in addressing global health challenges’.
The collaboration includes joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, shared academic resources, and organisation of joint academic events.
The joint MSc programme will equip graduates with core knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of One Health, offering cutting-edge, cross-border, and cross-disciplinary education.