Banda Aceh, August 12, 2026 — Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), welcomed a delegation from the Center for Tropical Veterinary Studies–One Health Collaboration Center (CENTROVETS-OHCC), USK, together with representatives from the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis (UC Davis), United States of America.
The visit, held from August 10 to 14, 2026, was part of a series of discussions, knowledge exchanges, and field observations to explore potential opportunities for future academic and research collaboration between the institutions.
The engagement focused particularly on strengthening efforts to address animal and zoonotic diseases through a One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
The One Health approach is increasingly relevant in the context of disaster risk and community resilience. Environmental changes, human and animal mobility, and post-disaster conditions can influence the emergence and spread of health risks. Addressing these challenges therefore requires interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration that brings together expertise from different fields.
The UC Davis delegation participating in the visit comprised:
- Prof. Maurice E. Pitesky
- Mr. Joseph David Gendreau
- Mr. Zephyr Leon Pitesky
During the visit, the delegation discussed issues related to animal health, zoonotic diseases, environmental factors, and risk management from a One Health perspective. The field observation activities also provided an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of local conditions, challenges, and community contexts in Aceh.
The discussions served as a platform to bring together diverse perspectives and areas of expertise while identifying potential opportunities for future collaboration. These may include joint research, academic exchange, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and other collaborative activities. 
For TDMRC USK, the prospective collaboration aligns with its commitment to expanding international partnerships and promoting multidisciplinary approaches to disaster risk reduction and resilience. Integrating disaster-related perspectives with the One Health approach could create opportunities for more comprehensive, context-sensitive research into interconnected health, environmental, and disaster risks.
Through this visit and cross-institutional exchange, the participating institutions hope to establish a strong foundation for sustainable collaboration between USK and UC Davis, particularly in academic development, research, capacity building, and strengthening community resilience to emerging health, environmental, and disaster-related risks.
The visit further highlights the importance of international and interdisciplinary collaboration in developing sustainable solutions to increasingly complex health and disaster challenges, while opening new opportunities for USK to strengthen its global academic and research network.
