Strengthening Regional Coordination: STAR IDAZ Asia and Australasia Network Meets in Beijing

The STAR IDAZ International Research Consortium (IRC) Asia and Australasia Regional Network convened in Beijing, 25 September 2025, for an in-person meeting that brought together representatives from across the region to strengthen collaboration and align research priorities in animal health.

Delegates from India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Russia, Indonesia, and Thailand participated in lively discussions aimed at:

• Defining shared research priorities and addressing common challenges;
• Exploring opportunities to share resources such as facilities, expertise, and biological samples;
• Identifying and aligning with international funding opportunities.

A key highlight of the meeting was a presentation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), offering valuable insights into fostering regional collaboration and capacity building in animal health research.

The meeting was generously hosted by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), whose support helped create a productive environment for regional dialogue and partnership development. Regional cooperation is essential to tackling shared animal health challenges.

Anyone interested in joining one of the STAR IDAZ Regional Networks are urged to contact a member of SIRCAH (Support for the International Research Consortium on Animal Health).

The STAR IDAZ IRC coordinates global research efforts to deliver innovative animal health control strategies through international collaboration.