Australian scientists have had a profound role in understanding the dangers of viruses like COVID-19. They are increasingly recognised for their vital contributions to collaborative research with other leading scientists, including those from the USA, China and the UK.

The NSW division of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering has been fortunate to secure three eminent Australian scientists to explore the pandemic:
Professor Stephen Simpson AC FRS FAA
Professor Edward Holmes FRS FAA
Professor Benjamin Eggleton FTSE FAA.

They present and discuss their personal involvement and experiences, as well Australia’s contributions to tackling this extreme global threat, including COVID-19 containment, vaccine development and the long term outlook.

By placing trust in our scientists, Australia has fared well to date when compared with other countries, but the threat is far from over. The WHO reports a significant rise in the global infection curve. This COVID-19 pandemic is not the end. There will be more pandemics exacerbated by the ease of global travel. There needs to be a sense of urgency and a global enablement of scientists to study, understand and develop countermeasures.

We note the warnings of Italian physicist Pablo Giordano that “other diseases are likely to put coronavirus in the shade”. Time is of the essence.