The Project

The Research Institute for Zoonotic Ecology and Epidemiology (RIZEE) is a multi-disciplinary scientific meeting place and research centre facilitating studies of the ecology and epidemiology of zoonotic agents and diseases. RIZEE function as a "research hotel" open to international scientific teams. The research of the Institute focus on the understanding of the evolution, spread and maintenance in nature of zoonotic infectious agents affecting human health and livestock. The development of the Institute is a multi step procedure. Besides knowledge and advice the Institute presently offers a laboratory (BSL 2) with office. The laboratory consists of three separate rooms, set up and equipped for molecular biology research. Logistics for collected samples have also been established. As a next step a laboratory for culturing of living organisms (viruses, bacteria and parasites) is designed and created. The aim is a high-end research facility with all necessary equipment and laboratory facilities for advanced experiments and field work involving field-collected specimens, tick-farms, and isolation and propagation of known and unknown infectious agents in a secure work invironment (BSL 2 and 3).

RIZEE is run by the Society for Zoonotic Ecology and Epidemiology (SocZEE). Society SocZEE also constitutes the academic framework of the Institute. The purpose of the Society is to stimulate cross- and multi-disciplinary research, exchange of information concerning zoonoses and to work for education and expanded experience of its members. The Society is open to any person, institution, society and business with active research or teaching in zoonoses, or commitment in the field of zoonoses. At present members of the Society represents eight Swedish Universities, the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control (Smittskyddsinstitutet), the National Veterinary Institute (Statens Veterinärmedicinska Anstalt), the Communicable Disease Control Unit of the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen), Ottenby Bird Observatory, the Municipality of Mörbylånga and the Kalmar County Council.

In March 2001 Society SocZEE organized the international meeting. "Current Research in Tick-Borne Infections" in Kalmar. The 85 participants from Europe and the United States represented many different professions e.g. physicians, veterinarians, biologists, epidemiologists, entomologists. They exchanged ideas and planned future collaborations during seminars and round table discussions.