On September 28, 2026, the 5th International One Health GLACIER Annual Symposium took place at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) in Halle (Saale), Germany. The event brought together researchers, students, and experts from Latin America and Germany to share scientific advances, exchange perspectives, and strengthen international collaboration in infectious disease research and pandemic preparedness.
As the first annual symposium of GLACIER’s second funding phase (2026-2030), the meeting provided an opportunity to present ongoing research across different disciplines and explore new opportunities for scientific cooperation.
The scientific program covered four major areas: immunology and vaccination, epidemiology and global health, anti-infectives and antimicrobial resistance, and natural products for drug development. Presentations addressed topics ranging from vaccine development and emerging viral infections to antimicrobial resistance, global health challenges, and innovative therapeutic approaches. A dedicated workshop also introduced the Natural OneHealth (N1H) platform, highlighting the potential of computational tools and integrated scientific data to support research and pandemic preparedness.
An important part of the symposium was the participation of GLACIER fellows and alumni, who presented their research alongside established scientists, reflecting the consortium’s commitment to scientific training, international mobility, and collaboration across generations of researchers.
Organized under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ludger Wessjohann and Prof. Dr. Barbara Seliger, the symposium marked another step in strengthening scientific connections between Germany and Latin America. Beyond the presentations, the meeting provided a valuable space for exchanging ideas and building collaborations that will contribute to GLACIER’s activities in the coming years.
