Join Dr Sarah Britton as she explores how the One Health approach is being implemented in Australia through real-world case studies, showcasing collaboration among the human, animal and environmental health sectors. Drawing on firsthand experience with outbreaks such as avian influenza, Japanese encephalitis and Hendra virus, it outlines how partnerships are formed and maintained to address emerging health threats. The role of the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control (iCDC) and its One Health Unit is discussed, emphasising their vision, priorities and evidence-based leadership in promoting health security and resilience. The session aims to inspire cross-sector cooperation for a healthier, more resilient future.
At the end of the talk, there will be a Q&A followed by a cocktail reception.
Image credit: Brown booby with newly hatched chick and egg - Dr Kerry Cameron, Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
| Date: | Tuesday 4 November 2025 |
| Time: | 6 pm - 8:15 pm. Doors open 5:45 pm. (Lecture concludes at 7:15 pm, followed by a cocktail reception) |
| Venue: | |
| Registration: | Free, registration essential by Wednesday 29 October for catering purposes. |
Dr Sarah Britton is an executive leader with more than 30 years of experience in One Health and biosecurity across government, private and not-for-profit sectors. She is currently the Director of One Health at the interim Australian Centre for Disease Control, the principal consultant of One Biosecurity Solutions, and a Non-Executive Director on several boards. Previously, Sarah served as the NSW Chief Veterinarian, leading major emergency responses including Japanese encephalitis, and she has owned and operated two veterinary practices in both city and regional settings. She is deeply committed to advancing One Health and strengthening the connections between human, animal and ecosystem health.
This memorial lecture commemorates the work of Ian Beveridge, whose pioneering work in the area of 'one medicine' foresaw an entirely new kind of interdisciplinary research.
Emeritus Professor William Ian Beveridge was an alumnus of the University of Sydney, graduating in 1931. He began his research career at McMaster Laboratory, CSIR, shortly afterwards supervised by Professor R H Carne.
Remarkably, within a few years he had found the bacterium responsible for footrot of sheep and set the principles for its control and eradication. He was later awarded a DVSc for this research.
During World War II he worked on influenza and other diseases at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne. In 1947 he became Professor of Animal Pathology at Cambridge and there, and later in the WHO, developed and promoted the concept of 'comparative (one) medicine'.
In 1972 Professor Beveridge published a book, Frontiers in Comparative Medicine, outlining his views in this area of 'one medicine'.
