STAR IDAZ at DIAH 2026: Connecting Research, Innovation and Industry

STAR IDAZ International Research Consortium (IRC) took part in the Discovery to Innovation in Animal Health (DIAH) conference in Bruges (19–21 May 2026), helping to connect early-stage researchers with investors, regulators and major animal health companies.

During the workshop ‘Research with impact – Discoveries leading to products’, Johannes Charlier (Kreavet) highlighted how the STAR IDAZ global network supports innovation in animal health through the creation of research roadmaps, the Innovation Academy, and by convening key actors to better align international research funding programmes. The workshop was held with Animal Health Europe and EU Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare (EUPAHW).

STAR IDAZ also supported two researchers in pitching their innovations on a STAR IDAZ priority topic to potential investors, helping to bridge the gap between research and application.

•       Edwin Veldhuizen (Utrecht University) presented a novel alternative to antibiotics (ATA) for treating udder infections in cattle. The innovation combines an antimicrobial peptide with an amino acid and builds on STAR IDAZ roadmaps on ATAs and the work of the Mastitis Working Group.

•       Bert Devriendt (Ghent University) showcased a new gut delivery platform technology for vaccine antigens. The nanobody-mediated system targets the gut immune system to induce mucosal immunity and protect animals against E. coli-induced post-weaning diarrhoea, aligning with STAR IDAZ vaccinology roadmaps.

Congratulations to both researchers. STAR IDAZ IRC looks forward to seeing these promising innovations progress towards practical application.

The DIAH Conference focuses on fostering collaboration between academia, research organisations, start-ups and established companies to stimulate innovation in animal health from discovery through proof-of-concept.