Lessons learnt from previous pandemics and planning for future outbreaks
University of Otago Wellington Hosts Free Pandemic Webinar Series
The University of Otago Wellington is set to host a free, nationwide pandemic webinar series from August 17 to 21, 2025. This series, organised by the Health Protection Aotearoa Research Centre, promises to cover a wide range of pandemic-related topics.
On August 18, 2025, the series will kick off with a focus on insights from ancient pandemics, featuring speakers from Durham University. The following day, August 19, 2025, will delve into the lessons learned from the 1918 influenza pandemic, with speakers from the University of Canterbury, the University of Otago Wellington, and the Centre for Research on Pandemics & Society, Norway.
The series reaches its climax on August 22, 2025, with a webinar titled Future pandemic threats and how we can protect ourselves. This session will feature three esteemed speakers: Professor Dave Hayman from Massey University, Professor Raina McIntyre from the University of New South Wales, and Professor Nick Wilson from the University of Otago Wellington. Professor Hayman will discuss reducing spillover events from zoonotic sources, Professor McIntyre will focus on preventing laboratory leaks and harmful Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC), and Professor Wilson will delve into anticipating and managing threats from artificial intelligence and bioweapons.
The series will conclude on August 21, 2025, with a webinar themed Insights from Covid-19: Emerging clarity. This session will feature Professor Michael Baker from the University of Otago Wellington, discussing effective pandemic strategy, infrastructure, and engagement. Sir Collin Tukuitonga from the University of Auckland will speak on protecting Indigenous people and the Pacific, and Dr John Kerr from the University of Otago Wellington will address planning for pandemics, including managing misinformation.
Registration for the webinar series can be found on the provided link. Each session runs for an hour, starting at 12:00 and serving as a lunchtime presentation. The series is open to all, making it an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in pandemic research and prevention to learn from leading experts in the field.
- The webinar series at the University of Otago Wellington, focusing on pandemic-related topics, also includes sessions on education and self-development, such as the August 22 webinar that will discuss anticipating and managing threats from artificial intelligence and bioweapons.
- Additionally, the concluding session on August 21, themed 'Insights from Covid-19: Emerging clarity', will delve into health and wellness aspects, including effective pandemic strategy, infrastructure, and engagement, as well as planning for pandemics, including managing misinformation, making it beneficial for students and professionals in the field of medical-conditions and health-and-wellness.
