The frontlines of influenza research

On the centennial of the 1918 influenza pandemic, the Human Vaccines Project is bringing together 200 prominent global scientists and thought leaders in a summit to discuss cutting-edge influenza and human immune system research.

Now that the new influenza season has begun, and with the virus continuing to represent a significant public health challenge globally, come learn about the state of the scientific research on influenza across a range of topics, including: how a lack of full understanding about the human immune system continues to be a primary hurdle to the development of a universal influenza vaccine. This 2-day open summit will include 7 panel discussions, featuring 30 speakers from around the world.

A special press briefing will be held for journalists, followed by a Q&A:

The Frontlines of Influenza Research

Thursday, November 15, 3pmET
Kimpton Aerston Hotel, Nashville, TN

Speakers:

• Wayne Koff, Human Vaccines Project, on a new immune system study applied to influenza
• Bill Frist, former U.S. Senator, on public trust in science
• James Crowe, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, on work toward a universal flu vaccine
• Jacqueline Katz, CDC, on the state of the current influenza season
• Laurie Garrett, author, on the 1918 pandemic and implications for the future

Panels at the summit will include:

• The Death Toll and Infection Rate, and Lessons for 2018
  Moderator: Laurie Garrett (Author)
  10:45am-11:45 am, November 15

  Speakers: Laura Spinney, (Author, Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How It Changed the World), Christopher Troeger (University of Washington, Seattle), Benjamin Douglas Daliziel (Oregon State University)

• Clinical Features of the 1918 Pandemic and Lessons for 2018
  Moderator: Helen Branswell (STAT)
  1:30pm-2:30pm, November 15

  Speakers: Niall Johnson (University of Cambridge and Author of Britain and the 1918-19 Influenza Pandemic: A Dark Epilogue); Arnold Monto (University of Michigan School of Public Health, USA); Gordon Bernard (Vanderbilt University Medical Center)

• Influenza Pandemic Preparedness
  Moderator: Jon S. Abramson (Wake Forest)
  3:45pm-5:00pm, November 15

  Speakers: Emily Erbelding (National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases); Christine Oshansky-Weilnau (BARDA); Martin H. Friede (World Health Organization); Jon S. Abramson (Wake Forest)

• Towards a Universal Influenza Vaccine
  Moderator: Bruce Gellin (Sabin Vaccine Institute)
  11:00am-12:45pm, November 16

  Speakers: Bruce L. Innis (PATH); James E. Crowe, Jr. (Vanderbilt University Medical Center); Ted M. Ross (University of Georgia); Jerry C. Sadoff (Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, USA), Adrian McDermott (National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)

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To register, email: [email protected]

More information at: https://www.humanvaccinesproject.org/talks/universalinfluenzavaccinesummit/

Media Contact

Lisa M.P. Munoz
[email protected]

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