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

Monday, October 27, 2025

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Bailey Horn | Marketing Specialist | 405-744-6728 | [email protected]

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.