Pandemics

I’m sure the world is exhausted by the mere mention of the word ‘pandemic’ but recent academic trajectories have sent me revisiting this topic. I’ve encountered some insight and interesting podcasts which are worth your time.

’When Science Finds a Way’ and ‘Off Script’ podcasts provide case studies on predictive insights and the role of therapeutics as part of preparedness.

When Science Finds a Way

Hosted by Alisha Wainwright and produced by Wellcome, this science-focused podcast explores how scientific research and innovation are being applied to tackle urgent global health challenges. It features case studies showing predictive insights in action, for example: how early-warning and prediction tools that integrate health and climate data are being used to anticipate outbreaks (such as dengue and Zika) and support community responses before diseases spread. Interviews with scientists, public health authorities and communities highlight the translation of data into practical preparedness measures, demonstrating how predictive models and local collaboration can improve outbreak readiness and resilience.

Off Script

A limited-series podcast from the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics (Peter Doherty Institute) focused on the role of therapeutics in pandemic preparedness. Across its episodes, experts including WHO figures, health economists, policymakers and scientists discuss why therapeutics (drugs that treat disease after infection) are a critical complement to vaccines in a future health emergency. Themes include: the gap in investment and development timelines for therapeutics exposed by COVID-19; how platform technologies like mRNA could accelerate treatment responses; the importance of equitable access and global health equity; and how ready-to-deploy therapeutics could reduce hospital pressure, help keep societies functioning and shape more nuanced policy responses in future pandemics.