Lessons Learned from Previous Pandemics and Preparing for the Future Ahead
The University of Otago Wellington is set to host a five-day pandemic webinar series from August 17 to August 21, 2025. This series, running from noon to 1 pm via Zoom, is open to the public and free of charge.
The webinar series, designed to educate and inform, features scientists from around the world. The topics covered range from ancient pandemics to future developments, providing a comprehensive overview of the history and potential future threats of pandemics.
Webinar One (Tue 17 August, 12:00 - 13:00): "Insights from ancient pandemics" - Professor Rebecca Gowland (University of Otago Wellington) - Professor Chris Gerrard (University of Otago Wellington) - Professor Frank Krauss (University of Otago Wellington)
Webinar Two (Wed 18 August, 12:00 - 13:00): "Insights from the 1918 influenza pandemic" - Professor Geoffrey Rice (University of Otago Wellington) - Dr Sarah Pirikahu (University of Otago Wellington) - Hampton Gaddy (Guest Speaker)
Webinar Three (Thu 21 August, 12:00 - 13:00): "Insights from Covid-19: Emerging clarity" - Professor Michael Baker (University of Otago Wellington) – on effective pandemic strategy, infrastructure, and engagement - Sir Collin Tukuitonga (University of Auckland) – on protecting Indigenous people and the Pacific - Dr John Kerr (University of Otago Wellington) – on planning for pandemics including misinformation management
Webinar Four (Fri 22 August, 12:00 - 13:00): "Future pandemic threats and how we can protect ourselves" - Professor Dave Hayman (Massey University) – on reducing zoonotic spillover events - Professor Raina McIntyre (University of New South Wales) – on preventing laboratory leaks and managing Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) - Professor Nick Wilson (University of Otago Wellington) – on anticipating threats from artificial intelligence and bioweapons
The activities included in the webinar series aim to grow literacy skills, build conceptual understanding, and design a game about viruses, vaccines, and immunity. Activities such as "The wars within", "Fighting infection card game", "Making snot", "Spreading diseases", and "Ethical dilemmas in fighting infection" are all part of the series.
For those interested, registration for the webinar series can be found on the University of Otago Wellington's website. For further information, contacts include Fiona Taylor and Sarah Pirikahu at the University of Otago Wellington.
In addition to the aforementioned speakers, Professor Collin Tukuitonga from the University of Auckland is also a speaker in the webinar series. On August 22, 2025, the webinar will focus on future pandemic threats and how to protect ourselves, with 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 as speakers.
This webinar series, hosting experts from various universities, not only offers insights into historical pandemics but also delves into current medical-conditions like Covid-19. Beyond health-and-wellness, it also incorporates education-and-self-development activities, such as designing a game about viruses, vaccines, and immunity.
