International Research Promotion (IRP)
Hello, and thank you for visiting our department’s website!
“Infectious diseases have no borders.”
In today’s interconnected world, where global networks have made the planet feel “smaller,” a local outbreak can quickly escalate into a global health emergency. Preparing for future pandemics requires collaborative research that transcends academic disciplines and national boundaries, as well as the cultivation of experts who can lead such efforts.
The International Institute for Zoonosis Control at Hokkaido University established a research base in the Republic of Zambia, located in southern Africa, in 2007. Since then, we have been conducting infectious disease research across various African countries.
Our department is responsible for operating the Zambia base (HUCZCZ). Here, we assess the potential of known and unknown microorganisms found in African bats and ticks, whether as pathogens or valuable biological resources, aiming to stay ahead of the next pandemic through proactive research. One of our current projects even involves tracking bats from space using GPS loggers, a truly ambitious endeavor.
We always welcome visitors to our lab.
If you’re interested in graduate studies, collaborative research, or simply want to learn more about our work, please feel free to contact us!
International Institute for Zoonosis Control
International Research Promotion
Associate Professor Masahiro Kajihara
Our Mission
- Identification of natural reservoir hosts and elucidation of transmission pathways of zoonotic pathogens
- Comprehensive surveillance of unknown pathogens potentially “hidden” in Africa
- Prediction and prevention of emerging infectious diseases
- Capacity building for international infectious disease research professionals
Research Resources and Laboratory Environment
・Building 3, International Institute for Zoonosis Control
・HUCZCZ at the University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine
