Participants at the Central Veterinary Laboratory of Bingerville (LCVB), Côte d'Ivoire are trained in Minion Next Generation Sequencing by an expert from the Joint FAO/IAEA Animal Production and Health Laboratory.
What is ZODIAC Week?
The Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC) is the IAEA's flagship initiative to address zoonotic diseases to safeguard human and animal health.
"ZODIAC was launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic with a clear purpose: to help ensure the world would be better prepared for the next zoonotic outbreak," said Najat Mokhtar, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications. "What makes this initiative unique is the network gathered here today: a combination of scientific excellence, operational capacity, and field-level implementation. This week is about connecting these dots to create a shield of global readiness."
Participants of the ZODIAC Ad-Hoc Scientific Panel (ZOSP) gathered in Vienna to kick off ZODIAC week from 23-28 February 2026. (Photo: IAEA)
How Does ZODIAC Prevent Pandemics?
The ZODIAC initiative has many interconnected pillars, reflected by this week's programme. Plenary lectures by international scientists will reflect topics related to the initiative's work, from preventing zoonotic spillover to building technological platforms for rapid pathogen discovery. Participants will also receive updates on the progress across the initiative's five pillars, from enhancing diagnostic capacities and advancing research and development to leveraging big data and artificial intelligence for real-time decision-making.
Since its launch in June 2020, ZODIAC has helped strengthen member countries' abilities to rapidly detect and respond to zoonotic threats. To date, the initiative has supported 52 laboratories across all regions with essential equipment and established nine Whole Genome Sequencing hubs in low- and middle-income countries. A hub in Senegal has already sequenced the full genome of the Rift Valley Fever virus circulating in the region, providing critical information to control outbreaks that affect both people and livestock.
What are the Aims of ZODIAC Week?
ZODIAC Week is structured to foster dialogue and collaboration between its key bodies. The first in-person session of the ZODIAC Ad-Hoc Scientific Panel , composed of independent scientists from all regions, will provide scientific guidance and recommendations for the initiative's future direction, including exploring new strategies like irradiated vaccines and antimicrobial resistance control.
Simultaneously, the first Research Coordination Meeting (RCM) of the new coordinated research projects (CRP) for Africa, funded by Japan, will begin its work. The project aims to strengthen surveillance systems across the continent by accelerating sample collection, improving diagnostic accuracy, and understanding pathogen genetics. These efforts are running in parallel with the ZODIAC National Laboratories (ZNLs) Implementation Meeting, which brings together lab representatives to foster collaboration and coordinate surveillance and response strategies.
Training on field sampling and nanopore sequencing of zoonotic pathogens in 2025, in Cambodia. (Photo: Institute of Pasteur, Cambodia).
How will Research Translate into Practical Tools for Countries Around the World?
A highlight of the week will be a joint visit to the Joint FAO/IAEA Animal Production and Health Laboratory in Seibersdorf. This visit will link high-level discussions with laboratory practice, allowing participants to see research and nuclear related technologies that are then transferred to countries through fellowships, scientific visits and training .
"We extend sincere appreciation to our donor Member States, whose commitment makes this progress possible," said Deputy Director General Mokhtar. "ZODIAC's strength lies in its global network and shared purpose. Over the coming days, we will build the synergies needed to ensure that when the next outbreak occurs, the world is ready."
