Zoonotic pathogens, or those that originate in animals and spillover into humans, are the most concerning infectious disease threats. Our approach to these zoonotic threats is typically reactive rather than proactive. A true One Health approach to zoonoses requires a deep understanding of the relationships between pathogens and their animal hosts as well as the complex ecological and evolutionary dynamics that lead to spillover events. As institutions devoted to the study of biodiversity, Natural History Museums play an essential role in pathogen research. Their rich collections and experience in curation and informatics represent a vast untapped resource for pandemic prevention. M-PABI leverages the immense biodiversity knowledge within the University of Michigan Research Museums to understand the evolution and ecology of pathogens and parasites, informing epidemiology, medicine, and public health.
