☕ Coffee with EMBL #5: Global Impact of COVID-19, Vaccine Development, and Science Communication

The conversation focused on the impact of COVID-19 on the world community, with a particular emphasis on vaccine development, data analysis, and communication of science. Speakers discussed the challenges faced in responding to the pandemic, including limited capacity, uncertainty about the virus's spread, and difficulties in supply chains and transportation. They also highlighted the importance of focusing on marginalised communities and maintaining neutrality in global health initiatives. Additionally, the conversation touched on the future of infection research at EMBL, including interdisciplinary collaboration, drug development, and effective communication between scientists and policymakers. Finally, speakers discussed the potential of using Salmonella as a delivery system for vaccine development, emphasising its simplicity, stability, and ability to induce both mucosal and systemic immune responses.
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Guest speakers:
🎙️ Patricia Kahn, Scientific Editorial Director at Doctors Without Borders USA
Staff Scientist (Cameron Group), Structural and Computational Biology at EMBL Heidelberg, 1983-1990
🎙️ Olivia Steele-Mortimer, Deputy Chief, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Predoctoral Fellow (Gruenberg Group), Cell Biology and Biophysics at EMBL Heidelberg, 1990-1994
🎙️ Nassos Typas, Group Leader, Senior Scientist, Co-chair of Infection Biology and Microbial Ecosystems Transversal Themes at EMBL Heidelberg
🎙️ Matthias Wilmanns, Head of EMBL Hamburg
🎙️ Ulrich Benedum, European Patent and Trademark Attorney, NEBENS IP
Predoc and Research fellow at EMBL Heidelberg, 1990-1985
🎙️ Michelle Meredyth-Stewart, Medical Doctor, Clinician 1
Research Assistant, EMBL Heidelberg, 1997-2001
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Topics include:
0:00 - COVID-19 Impact with EMBL Alumni from 30 Countries
• Overview of the global impact of COVID-19 as discussed by EMBL alumni from 30 different countries.
7:03 - COVID-19 Research and Future Directions at a Conference
• Insights into current research and future directions presented at a dedicated COVID-19 conference.
11:30 - COVID-19 Research at EMBL Hamburg: Virology and Structural Biology
• Detailed discussion on ongoing COVID-19 research projects at EMBL Hamburg, focusing on virology and structural biology.
19:47 - COVID-19 Research Projects in Hamburg, Germany
• Exploration of various COVID-19 research initiatives based in Hamburg, Germany.
27:28 - COVID-19 Vaccine Development and Commercialisation
• Examination of the development and commercialisation processes of COVID-19 vaccines.
34:40 - Doctors Without Borders' (MSF) Response to COVID-19 and Global Health Work
• An overview of MSF's global health efforts and their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
38:59 - MSF's COVID-19 Response: Testing Challenges and Limited Capacity
• Discussion on the challenges MSF faced in COVID-19 testing and capacity limitations.
45:24 - COVID-19 Response Strategies for MSF
• Strategies employed by MSF to manage supply chains and maintain essential services during the pandemic.
51:19 - COVID-19 Response in a Non-Political Organization
• Addressing the unique challenges faced by non-political organisations in responding to COVID-19.
58:32 - Developing a Vaccine for Breast Cancer Using Salmonella
• Innovative research on using Salmonella as a platform for developing a breast cancer vaccine.
1:04:28 - Using Salmonella as a Vaccine Platform for COVID-19
• Exploration of the potential of using Salmonella as a vaccine platform for COVID-19.
1:14:51 - Vaccine Development and Patenting
• Discussion on the complexities of vaccine development and the importance of patenting.
1:22:10 - Protecting Intellectual Property for Scientific Research and Development
• Strategies for safeguarding intellectual property in scientific research and development.
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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.
Learn more about the series at www.embl.org/about/info/alumn...
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Recorded on Friday, 19 June 2020