Strategic design for Research and Innovation through a participatory approach: lessons learnt in a Veterinary Public Health Institution.

The article describes the results and the experience gained in using a participatory approach to design a strategic development plan (SDP) in a veterinary public health institute. The bottom-up approach utilised was co-designed between the units of "Research and Innovation" and "Training". It included a survey administered to the institute staff (570 people) to collect inputs on three relevant areas: i) innovative research topics; ii) innovation needed to improve services; iii) new tools to carry out activities.

FORE-Med - the development of a foresight methodology for the prioritisation of animal health research in the Mediterranean area up to 2030.

Diseases evolve constantly and research is needed to face emerging new threats. Evidences suggest that the impact of such threats will have its peak in the Mediterranean area. The FORE‑Med, Foresight project for the Mediterranean, aims at identifying the future challenges on livestock health and aquaculture in this area, to ensure an effective coordination of research activities and the delivery of timely solution to emerging issues.

Food allergies in school: design and evaluation of a teacher-oriented training action.

Background: Food allergies are perceived as a significant problem in school environments; as a result, a teacher's ability to recognise and deal with allergic reactions is of fundamental importance to protect children's health. This paper includes the results of a study conducted for the purposes of designing, implementing and monitoring a specific set of teacher-oriented communication actions.

Methods: The study involved designing, implementing and assessing five workshops.

An electronic learning course on avian influenza in Italy (2008).

The success of emergency intervention to control contagious animal diseases is dependent on the preparedness of veterinary services. In the framework of avian influenza preparedness, the Italian Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the National Reference Centers for Epidemiology and Avian Influenza, implemented an electronic learning course using new web-based information and communication technologies. The course was designed to train veterinary officers involved in disease outbreak management, laboratory diagnosis, and policy making.