Simon Rüegg

Simon Rüegg is a senior researcher from the University of Zurich, Switzerland. He completed a doctorate in veterinary science (DVM) and a PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics and molecular diagnostics of tick-borne equine piroplasmoses. He has worked in field projects in southern Mongolia, and as a veterinary practitioner for exotic pets in Switzerland, before returning to academia as researcher. At the Section of Veterinary Epidemiology he conducts research, teaches and does statistic consultancy. His research interest is the application of system thinking and the theory of complex adaptive systems to medicine, in particular its impact on the medical decision making process, the relation between scientific, emotive, financial, ethical and social aspects, and the sustainability of medical practices. He has worked on cost efficacy of disease surveillance, framing implementation and evaluation of one health initiatives and other subjects. He is founding member of the Network for Ecohealth and One Health opens in new tab/window, member of the Technical Advisory Group on One Health to the WHO European Regional Office opens in new tab/window, member of the WOAH ad hoc group on preventing disease spillover in wildlife trade opens in new tab/window, and chair of the Swiss Association for Widlife, Zoo Animals and Exotic Pets opens in new tab/window.