Preparing for the Future: Learning Lessons from Previous Pandemics
University of Otago Wellington Hosts Free Pandemic Webinar Series in August 2025
In August 2025, the University of Otago Wellington's Health Protection Aotearoa Research Centre is running a pandemic webinar series titled "Insights from past pandemics and preparing for the future." The series, which spans topics from ancient pandemics to future threats, consists of four 1-hour online lectures and features expert speakers from around the world.
The webinar series kicks off on August 17 and runs through August 21. On August 18, the focus will be on insights from ancient pandemics, with speakers including Professor Rebecca Gowland from Durham University, Professor Chris Gerrard from Durham University, and Professor Frank Krauss from Durham University.
On August 19, the series will delve into the 1918 influenza pandemic, with speakers including 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.
Moving forward to August 20, the series will provide insights from COVID-19, with speakers including Dr John Kerr, Professor Collin Tukuitonga, and Professor Michael Baker, all from the University of Otago Wellington.
Finally, on August 22, the series will conclude with a focus on future pandemic threats and how we can protect ourselves. Speakers for this session include 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 Collin Tukuitonga from the University of Auckland and Professor Michael Baker will speak on the same day, August 22.
These webinars are free to attend online, and registration can be done through a provided link. The series promises to be an enlightening exploration of past pandemics and a valuable resource for understanding and preparing for future threats.
In addition to the webinar series, the University of Otago Wellington is also offering various activities related to coronavirus, viruses, and the immune system, including "The wars within", "Fighting infection card game", "Making snot", "Spreading diseases", and "Ethical dilemmas in fighting infection".
For those seeking more specific details such as exact session dates, times, or registration links, it is recommended to visit the Health Protection Aotearoa Research Centre or University of Otago Wellington event pages directly.
The University of Otago Wellington's upcoming webinar series, "Insights from past pandemics and preparing for the future," provides valuable information on diverse medical-conditions like the 1918 influenza pandemic, COVID-19, and future pandemic threats. This science-based series, held in August 2025, also includes a session on August 22 discussing ethical dilemmas in fighting infection, which is relevant to health-and-wellness.
