☕ Coffee with EMBL #3: COVID-19 Science and Its Societal Impact

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, an insightful dialogue emerged among scientists and policymakers, addressing the intricate interplay between science, politics, and communication. Peter Rottier and Graham Tebb expressed concerns about scientists being blamed for unfavourable outcomes, while Carmen Fernandez underscored the vital role of science communication and diplomacy. This discussion covered critical aspects such as vaccine strategies, the challenges of disseminating scientific knowledge to the public, and the potential of drugs like remdesivir in combating COVID-19. It also examined the effectiveness of global lockdown measures and the long-term economic implications of pandemic policies.
The video provides a comprehensive exploration of COVID-19's scientific landscape and its profound societal impacts. It meticulously dissects the evolution and infection cycle of the coronavirus, its structural intricacies, and replication processes. Highlighting the efforts of scientists to repurpose anti-influenza drugs for COVID-19 treatment, the discussion brings to light the latest advancements in drug development for both influenza and COVID-19. The complexities of vaccine development and the necessity for effective communication strategies are thoroughly examined, revealing the critical intersection of science, politics, and public sentiment.
Join us as we navigate the nuanced uncertainties shaping COVID-19 policies and delve into scientific literacy, governmental responses, and the challenges of bridging the gap between scientific expertise and public understanding. This thought-provoking discussion offers invaluable insights for informed decision-making in these unprecedented times, emphasising the imperative for informed action amidst the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
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Moderated by:
Angus Lamond, Professor of Biochemistry, University of Dundee
Group Leader at EMBL Heidelberg (1987-1995)
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Guest speakers and participants:
🎙️ Stephen Cusack, Emeritus Head, Group Leader, Senior Scientist at EMBL Grenoble, 1979-2022
🎙️ Carmen Fernández Alonso, Researcher at Biological Research Center (CSIC), Madrid
Postdoctoral Fellow (Lemke Group), Structural and Computational Biology, EMBL Heidelberg, 2009-2011
🎙️ Peter Rottier, Emeritus Professor of Virology, Utrecht University
Visiting Scientist (Warren Group, Meyer Group), Cell Biology and Biophysics, EMBL Heidelberg, 1982-1984
🎙️ Graham Tebb, Research Manager, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Predoctoral Fellow (Mattaj Group), Genome Biology at EMBL Heidelberg, 1985-1988
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Topics include:
0:05 - Introduction: exploring COVID-19 science and its societal impact
10:16 - Unravelling coronavirus evolution, infection cycle, and zoonotic events
16:26 - Understanding coronavirus structure, replication cycle, and infection process
23:34 - Insights into virus entry and receptors, with focus on coronaviruses
31:27 - Exploring the repurposing of anti-influenza drugs for coronavirus treatment
39:01 - Latest developments in new drugs for influenza and COVID-19
45:05 - Navigating COVID-19 vaccine development and communication challenges
52:02 - Effective science communication amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
1:02:16 - Analysing scientific literacy, government measures, and the pandemic
1:08:52 - Strategies for scientists to engage with politicians and the public during COVID-19
1:17:08 - The intersection of COVID-19 science, politics, and public opinion
1:25:07 - Addressing COVID-19 policy amidst scientific uncertainty with expert insights
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Coffee with EMBL is hosted by EMBL and moderated by EMBL alumnus Angus Lamond, Professor of Biochemistry, University of Dundee | Former Group Leader at EMBL Heidelberg, 1987-1995, who co-organises the series together with Thomas Vaccari, Associate Professor, University of Milan | Former Predoctoral Fellow (Ephrussi Group) at EMBL Heidelberg, 1999-2004) and the EMBL Alumni Relations team.
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Learn more about the series at www.embl.org/about/info/alumn...
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Recorded on Friday, 22 May 2020