Abstract
Over the last 40 years, the recurrence of epidemics resulting from known or new infectious agents (AIDS, avian influenza, SARS, Ebola, etc.) has sharply raised awareness about the interconnections between human health and the health of animals and the environment, as well as the effects of global changes on these interactions. In line with the emerging trends in other scientific fields, systemic thinking, strategies and practices have gained ground in the area of health. In this 25th dossier d'Agropolis, we offer an overview of the expertise of the scientific community in the French region of Occitanie in the manifold areas of health and of the systemic approaches being developed. Bringing together a critical mass of research in medicine, agronomy, veterinary science and ecological, environmental and social science, this diverse community is fertile terrain for adopting an integrated approach to health and developing innovative concepts and methods. While far from exhaustive, this report provides illustrative examples of research undertaken by scientific teams in the region alongside partners in France, its overseas territories, and around the world. All aspects affecting health are considered: not only human and animal health, but plant health, the environment, and issues linked to diet and food production. No less than 66 research units are cited in this report, illustrating the diversity and complementarity of the scientific work being carried out from this hub of integrated health research.