The University of Patras, located in western Greece, is one of the country’s leading academic institutions, known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. Among its many departments, the Medical School stands out for its contributions to public health and biomedical sciences. Within the Medical School, the Laboratory of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Quality of Life plays a central role in advancing research and education in the field of epidemiology and public health.

This laboratory is spearheading the organization of the One-Bridge Conference in Patras, showcasing its leadership in both national and international collaborations. Its research activities focus on key areas such as Public Health, Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, and Environmental Health. With significant experience in European Union-funded projects, the lab is currently participating in major initiatives like TWINAIR and EU-WISH. The Public Health Laboratory is actively engaged in epidemiological studies related to foodborne, airborne, and waterborne pathogens, as well as chronic diseases and public health surveillance. It is also a key member of Greece’s National Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Network, contributing to the monitoring of respiratory infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

Accredited by the Hellenic Accreditation System, the laboratory is certified for microbiological and molecular analyses of bacterial pathogens and viruses in water and food samples. In addition to laboratory diagnostics, it specializes in Health Impact Assessments and Risk Factor Analysis. The Department of Public Health as a whole has a robust history of involvement in European projects aimed at promoting public health, disease prevention—including cancer prevention—and public education across all age groups. Its ongoing work is critical in addressing emerging public health challenges such as zoonotic disease prevention and antimicrobial resistance.