By Antonio Rivero-Juarez
My journey with hepatitis E began during my postdoctoral period, when I first started to focus on this “forgotten virus” in Europe. That stage of my career not only allowed me to deepen my expertise and eventually lead my own research group, but also gave me the opportunity to travel widely and connect with many colleagues who shared the same curiosity and determination to better understand HEV. It was also a very personal time for me — I became a father while pursuing this work, an experience that gave me a new perspective on the importance of looking at problems from different angles and through the eyes of others, and on the value of relying on those around you. As in parenthood, where support comes from different people — the mother, grandparents, friends — each contributing their own vision and experience, science also benefits from many perspectives. Complex challenges such as hepatitis E and other zoonotic hepeviruses cannot be solved by virologists alone. They demand the combined efforts of clinicians, veterinarians, microbiologists, epidemiologists, environmental scientists, policy makers and even patients. In other words, a true One Health approach.
This is where COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) comes in. COST Actions are unique because they don’t fund experiments, but people, they create networks that connect researchers across countries and disciplines, helping new ideas grow and opening opportunities for young scientists. From this spirit, ONWARD – the One Health zoonotic Hepevirus Network – was born. Approved in 2025 as a European COST Action (CA24140). Its main mission is to create the first European platform dedicated to zoonotic hepeviruses (HEV and ratHEV), integrating efforts across human, animal, food and environmental health. By fostering collaboration among 26 countries, with more joining, ONWARD seeks to strengthen diagnostics and surveillance, enabling earlier and more accurate detection of zoonotic hepeviruses. It aims to improve clinical management and therapeutic strategies, while also advancing prevention and control measures across animals, food safety and the environment. A central goal is to raise awareness and improve communication among health professionals, policy makers and the public. At the same time, ONWARD will work to build strong connections with European and international organisations, ensuring that its activities are aligned with global standards and strategies. In short, ONWARD aims not only to generate knowledge, but also to transform it into action and impact across Europe and beyond.
What makes ONWARD special is its multidisciplinary nature. Understanding and controlling these viruses requires expertise that ranges from molecular biology to clinical management, from animal health to risk assessment in food and the environment. No single discipline can provide all the answers, but together we can make real progress. Another distinctive feature is the key role of young researchers and innovators. COST gives them a central place, not only as participants but also as leaders. ONWARD embraces this by actively involving early-career scientists in shaping the direction of the network, ensuring that the next generation has a voice and visibility from the very beginning. These are complemented by transversal activities on training, inclusiveness, global outreach and innovation, ensuring that the network remains open, diverse and forward-looking.
The success of ONWARD will depend on the diversity and energy of those who join it. COST Actions are open by design, and everyone with an interest in hepatitis E — whether as a researcher, clinician, veterinarian, student, public health expert or patient representative, is welcome. Participation is simple: apply through the COST website https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA24140, or contact your COST National Coordinator to join the Management Committee.
ONWARD is more than a scientific initiative: it is a community. And like every community, it grows stronger with every new member, voice and idea.
Together, we move ONWARD.
Dr. Antonio Rivero-Juarez: Main proposer of ONWARD
