2017 Pandemic Preparedness Seminar Series

The theme for the Fall 2017 seminar series was “Pandemic Preparedness: Improving Science, Technology, & Access.” All countries around the world, especially during a public health emergency, warrant access to appropriate vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Increasing access to medical countermeasures can serve to foster a willingness among countries to rapidly share genomic data and samples. In the last 50 years, major scientific advances in the development of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics have transformed the field of pandemic preparedness. The fields of genomics, biotechnology and molecular biology in particular, have led to faster and more effective gene-based diagnostics, therapeutics, and other technologies. Yet, many barriers still remain in R&D and more works needs to be done. This seminar series shed light on some of the advancements in science and technology thus far as well as some of the obstacles common to these processes.

The Spring 2018 seminar series showcased the diversity of experts working at the intersection of pandemic preparedness and global health security. The theme for the spring 2018 seminar series is “One Health Approaches to Disease Outbreaks.” One Health recognizes that the health of people is connected to the health of animals and the environment. The goal of One Health is to encourage the collaborative efforts of multiple disciplines-working locally, nationally, and globally-to achieve the best health for people, animals, and our environment.