ISMED-CLIM Researcher Carla Maia Receives the 2026 WSAVA Global One Health Award

Professor Carla Maia, researcher at NOVA University Lisbon and a member of the ISMED-CLIM consortium, has been named the recipient of the 2026 WSAVA Global One Health Award by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).

The award recognises Professor Maia’s outstanding contribution to advancing the One Health approach, which acknowledges the close interconnection between human, animal and environmental health. Her research has particularly contributed to the fields of parasitology, vector-borne diseases, and the impact of environmental and climate change on animal and human health.

This recognition is closely connected to the challenges addressed by ISMED-CLIM, where Professor Maia contributes expertise on climate-sensitive infectious diseases and zoonotic risks.

Connecting climate, animal and human health

Within ISMED-CLIM, Professor Maia is involved in activities focusing on sand fly-borne diseases, including leishmaniasis, and the development of approaches that can support improved surveillance, prevention and early warning.

In Portugal, ISMED-CLIM is working with veterinarians, researchers, animal health professionals and other stakeholders to better understand how changing climatic and environmental conditions may affect the transmission of these diseases.

Professor Maia has previously presented ISMED-CLIM activities related to canine leishmaniasis in Portugal, highlighting the importance of combining veterinary data, epidemiological research and local engagement to strengthen disease prevention and forecasting.

This work reflects the wider One Health perspective at the heart of the project: climate-related health risks cannot always be addressed by looking at human health, animal health or the environment in isolation.

Recognition of a One Health contribution

The WSAVA Global One Health Award recognises individuals whose work demonstrates the importance of companion animals within the interconnected health of animals, people and the environment.

Professor Maia’s recognition highlights the growing importance of research into vector-borne and zoonotic diseases in the context of climate change, as well as the need for collaboration across veterinary medicine, public health, environmental science and local communities.

The ISMED-CLIM consortium warmly congratulates Professor Carla Maia on this important international recognition and is proud to have her expertise contributing to the project’s work towards more climate-resilient and healthier Mediterranean communities.

Read the original WSAVA announcement:
Professor Carla Maia receives the 2026 WSAVA Global One Health Award