Lessons learned from past epidemics and shaping the future response
The University of Otago Wellington is set to host a captivating webinar series from August 17 to August 25, 2025. This comprehensive series, focusing on pandemic themes ranging from ancient pandemics to future challenges, is a reflection of the multidisciplinary approach by the Health Protection Aotearoa Research Centre.
Each session, running from 12:00 to 13:00 on Zoom, promises to be enlightening. Registration for these free online events is open to all, making this an opportunity not to be missed.
August 17 to 18: A Journey Through History
The series kicks off on August 17, delving into the past with a lecture on what ancient pandemics can teach us. The speakers for this session are yet to be announced.
On August 18, the series continues with a focus on insights from ancient pandemics. The esteemed speakers for this session include Professor Rebecca Gowland from Durham University, England, Professor Chris Gerrard from Durham University, England, and Professor Frank Krauss from Durham University, England.
August 19: Lessons from the Past, Lessons for the Future
The series will also include a lecture on insights from the 1918 influenza pandemic on August 19. The speakers for this session include Professor Geoffrey Rice from the University of Canterbury, Dr Sarah Pirikahu from the University of Otago Wellington, and Hampton Gaddy from the Centre for Research on Pandemics & Society, Norway.
August 21: Insights from Covid-19
The series will conclude on August 21 with a lecture on insights from Covid-19. The topic for the day is Insights from Covid-19: Emerging clarity. The speakers for this session include Professor Michael Baker (University of Otago Wellington), Sir Collin Tukuitonga (University of Auckland), and Dr John Kerr (University of Otago Wellington).
August 22: Future Pandemic Threats and How We Can Protect Ourselves
The penultimate day, August 22, will feature a webinar on Future pandemic threats and how we can protect ourselves. This session will feature speakers from Massey University, the University of New South Wales, and the University of Otago Wellington. The speakers for this session have yet to be announced.
The series finale on August 22 will be a culmination of the series, bringing together scientists from around the world to discuss future pandemic threats and potential solutions. Professor Dave Hayman from Massey University and Professors Nick Wilson and Raina McIntyre from the University of Otago Wellington and the University of New South Wales, respectively, are expected to speak.
In addition to these insightful lectures, the series includes activities designed to engage and educate. There's an opportunity to learn vocabulary associated with COVID-19, interpret infographics about viruses, immunity, and design a game about viruses, vaccines, and immunity.
For more detailed daily agendas or full speaker lineups for every day in the series, contacting the organizers Fiona Taylor ([email protected]) or Sarah Pirikahu ([email protected]) is recommended. This webinar series promises to be a fascinating exploration of the world of pandemics, offering valuable insights into our past, present, and future.
Engaging in this extraordinary webinar series, you'll gain insights into various medical-conditions related to pandemics, such as the 1918 influenza and Covid-19, providing valuable health-and-wellness information. Education-and-self-development opportunities like learning vocabulary associated with COVID-19 and designing games about viruses and immunity are also part of the series.
