Intervention Strategies: If you do not test, you will not know - a focus on COVID-19

Learn about the fascinating story behind the intriguing Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and how it was first discovered. Why were parents once asked about contact with birds? How can the recent outbreak in China make a difference? Join an insightful conversation with distinguished guests and leading experts Ab Osterhaus, Member of the ESWI board and Director of the Center of Infection Medicine and Zoonosis Research and Guest-Professor at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany, who first identified the virus together with Bernadette van den Hoogen, Associate Professor at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, and Ann Falsey, Professor of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, and co-director of the Vaccine Treatment and Evaluation Unit at the University of Rochester School of Medicine.They tease out the subtle differences between HMPV, flu, and RSV, discuss the burden of disease, the role of diagnostics and the importance of fundamental research. Plus, why does public awareness matter and could a name change be on the horizon?

A riveting episode from three unique perspectives on intervention strategies and the ongoing challenges posed by Sars-Cov-2, the virus behind one of the deadliest pandemics in recent history. Featuring a fundamental researcher, a virologist, and a clinician, our speakers engage in a captivating talk on Covid-19. Is it endemic now? What’s new on the diagnostics and therapeutic front? How many annual vaccines can the public reasonably deal with?  Join us for this fascinating conversation that bridges research, clinical practice, and public health to address the evolving landscape of Covid-19 and other respiratory viruses.This episode is supported by Moderna.

Tremendously exciting times and possibly underestimating the enormity of its impact. These are some of the comments we hear when experts share their insights on the recently available RSV vaccines. We are told about the disastrous first attempts of a vaccine 60 years ago and some of the road bumps leading to today’s success. In this episode, join us as we delve into the history, challenges, and triumphs of RSV vaccine development. Our renowned speakers give detailed accounts of the new RSV vaccines, including target population, critical gaps in vaccination for vulnerable groups, national immunisation programmes and the urgency of expanding access to resource poor settings.RSV and the bumpy road towards a vaccine is supported by Moderna.

Flu Vaccines: Advancements, Challenges, and Global Impact – Expert Insights on Vaccine Platforms and Immune ResponsesIn this phenomenal episode, three leading experts in the field of vaccinology and immunology dive into the science behind various vaccine platforms and immune responses. Tune in as they explore the evolution of vaccines, from early, early vaccine platforms to cutting-edge technologies, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.  In a dynamic, educational conversation, we hear about the quest for the holy grail, the crucial role of CD8 T-cells, and the global challenges of vaccine accessibility and hesitancy.Join Professor Ab Osterhaus, ESWI Executive Committee Member and Director of the Center of Infection Medicine and Zoonosis Research at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany; ESWI Board Member Florian Krammer, Professor of Vaccinology at the Department of Microbiology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, and Professor for Infection Biology at the Medical University of Vienna; and ESWI Associate Member Carolien van de Sandt, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute, Australia in this thought-provoking discussion on the future of vaccines and global health.With the support of Moderna and Viatris.

Welcome to ESWI Airborne, the podcast of the European Scientific Working Group on Influenza. In this  episode, we explore essential skills and career prospects for early career scientists as part of our three-part series on life as a scientist.Joining me are three remarkable guests:Meral Akcay, a global influenza expert and former ESWI board member, who discusses her transition from academia to the pharmaceutical industry and the key skills that have propelled her career.Lucy Mosscrop, a passionate science enthusiast and PhD candidate at Imperial College London, focusing on RSV research. Lucy shares her aspirations and the valuable skills she has found beneficial throughout her journey.Marco Goeijenbier, an ESWI board member and clinician with a dynamic career in research, who emphasizes the importance of curiosity and mentorship in navigating the competitive landscape of scientific careers.Together, we’ll delve into their unique journeys, the challenges they face, and the advice they offer to those just starting out in science. Whether you're a budding scientist or simply curious about the field, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge to guide you on your professional path.

Join in on this enthusiastic and insightful conversation between Nathan Brendish, associated with the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom, and Irene Gonzalez and Florian Krammer from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in the United States of America. Explore the joys and sorrows of embarking on a scientific career in this episode as we delve into the nomadic life of scientists as they explore the world in search of new and existing data in the field of respiratory viruses.

Do not miss the opportunity to listen to this enthusiastic and insightful conversation between Debby van Riel, Associate Professor, Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, The Netherlands, Carolien van de Sandt, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute, Australia, and Jenna Guthmiller Assistant Professor at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology from University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, US,  examine the joys and sprrows of embarking on a scientific career. How does the real-life experience of working as a scientist compare to your initialExpectations? What are the typical challenges encountered by early career scientists? What advice would you give to someone considering a career in science? Looking ahead, what are the big questions that you want to address? What advice would you give to someone considering a career in science?

In this comprehensive exploration and conversation among distinguished experts in the field of childhood immunisation we listen to Paula Tähtinen, Clinical Lecturer, Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine / Adjunct Professor, University of Turku and ESWI Board Member, Hanna Nohynek, Chief Medical Officer, Team Leader of Vaccine Programme Development at the National Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland, together with Sir Andrew Pollard, Professor of Paediatric Infection & Immunity at University of Oxford and the Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group succinctly cover the context of vaccinating against flu, RSV and COVID-19.Is there a difference between recommending flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccinations in children? What is meant by preventing secondary diseases and other societal wider benefits? What factors are considered before a country introduces a new vaccine in its national vaccination programme? How long does it usually take before a vaccine is rolled-out? And who are the happy wheezers?

Flu is the forgotten killer. What new vistas of vaccinology opened up after the COVID-19 pandemic? In what ways can flu treatments change as a consequence of lessons learned?  Listen to this excellent panel of experts, Peter Openshaw,  Respiratory physician and Mucosal Immunologist, Professor of Experimental Medicine, Imperial College, London and ESWI Board Member, Anthony Gordon, Chair in Anaesthesia and Critical Care, NIHR Research Professor and Senior Investigator, Imperial College, London, and Susanne Herold, Professor of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Research, University Hospital Giessen und Marburg, eloquently converse about what the COVID-19 pandemic taught us and how it can help to improve how we deal with flu; And learn what the architects in the Victorian age got right with regards to prevention!

How has the world of travel medicine evolved? What multiple roles do vaccinations have? What impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on travel behaviour? Why is it so important to keep up to date on the current epidemiological situation? Delve into the fascinating world of travel medicine, listening to George Kassianos, GP, ESWI Board Member and President of the British Global and Travel Health Association, Dipti Patel, Specialist in occupational medicine and travel medicine physician and Director at the National Travel Health Network and Centre and Robert Steffen, Emeritus Professor at the Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, also known as the father of travel medicine. We learn which group of travellers are - surprisingly - of most concern for health care specialists, and what some of the geographical hotspots are. We will also get a snapshot of the recommended updated Covid-19 vaccine, and much more.