OSU College of Veterinary Medicine hosts 2025 INTERACT Symposium, showcasing global collaboration in translational research

OSU College of Veterinary Medicine hosts 2025 INTERACT Symposium, showcasing global collaboration in translational research

Monday, October 27, 2025

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The Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine hosted the 2025 INTERACT Symposium from Oct. 22-24 at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center, welcoming more than 150 participants from five countries and six U.S. states.

The Institute for Translational and Emerging Research in Advanced Comparative Therapy is a designated university center at OSU. The institute focuses on accelerating the translation of research discoveries into real-world diagnostic and therapeutic applications that benefit both human and animal health. Embracing the principles of One Health and One Medicine, INTERACT brings together experts from multiple disciplines to address diseases and health challenges that transcend species boundaries.

"The symposium provides an opportunity to learn about the work of our university and hopefully serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for our researchers to initiate collaborative scientific relationships with other researchers worldwide," said Dr. Jerry Malayer, INTERACT Symposium director.

OSU President Jim Hess delivered the symposium's opening remarks, offering a warm welcome to attendees. Hess has been a strong supporter of the CVM and played a key role in advancing the university's investment in a new veterinary teaching hospital. His remarks highlighted OSU's continued commitment to innovation, collaboration and excellence in veterinary education and research.

This year's symposium featured innovative research from OSU scientists and presentations from leading investigators across the globe, underscoring OSU's dedication to advancing fundamental and translational medicine through collaboration and discovery.

More than 30 students participated in a competitive poster and platform presentation contest. Selections were based on submitted abstracts addressing one of three key areas: basic science, clinical and translational research, or public health and health policy. Students chosen for oral presentations presented during one of four topical sessions focusing on microbiome, epidemiology/computational research, oncology, and zoonotic diseases. The contest provided a valuable platform for emerging researchers to showcase their work and engage with peers and experts.

"All of the students did a remarkable job," Malayer said. "Their knowledge and preparation were outstanding and an exceptional representation of our research here at OSU."

Among the symposium's highlights was the introduction of the newly established Oklahoma Center for Microbiome Research, which expands OSU's capabilities in exploring the role of microbial communities in health and disease. The symposium also emphasized sustainable development as a vital component of scientific progress and global health.

The two-day event offered a dynamic environment for sharing knowledge, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and inspiring the next generation of researchers. Through initiatives like INTERACT, OSU continues to play a pivotal role in promoting One Health research and strengthening Oklahoma's position as a leader in biomedical innovation.