About ONWARD Project

Complex challenges like hepatitis E and other zoonotic hepeviruses can only be addressed through collaboration across disciplines, from human and animal health to food safety, environmental science, and public health. This integrated, One Health perspective is essential for turning scientific knowledge into real-world impact.

This vision underpins ONWARD – the One Health zoonotic Hepevirus Network, a European COST Action (CA24140) approved in 2025. ONWARD brings together experts from across Europe to create the first dedicated platform for zoonotic hepeviruses (HEV and ratHEV), strengthening collaboration in diagnostics, surveillance, clinical management, prevention, and communication across human, animal, food, and environmental health sectors.

What makes ONWARD unique is its strong multidisciplinary foundation and its commitment to empowering early-career researchers as active contributors and leaders. Open, inclusive, and collaborative by design, ONWARD is more than a research network—it is a growing community working together to transform knowledge into action for improved public and animal health across Europe and beyond.