In a Nutshell

What if the world was ready for the next deadly pandemic?

About Jeremy

Tropical medicine expert Jeremy Farrar is the Director of the Wellcome Trust, the world’s second largest global charitable foundation, dedicated to improving health. Before joining Wellcome, Jeremy served for 18 years as Director of the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Vietnam, where his research in infectious diseases, tropical health and emerging infections exposed him to the SARS, bird flu and H1N1 flu outbreaks. In 2005, Jeremy became an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his services in tropical medicine. He has contributed to 500 peer-reviewed scientific papers, served on several World Health Organization advisory committees, and is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Married with three children, Jeremy loves all sport and enjoys walking in the Alps. 

Learn More

Jeremy on the TEDMED Blog

With billions in the bank, a ‘visionary’ doctor tries to change the world

Branswell H. STAT. 2016. 

UN and WHO ‘not fit for purpose’ to tackle pandemics
Reynolds M. WIRED. 2016.

O’Neill calls for action on drug resistant infection
Ryan C. wellcome. 2016. 

World Immunisation Week: seven vaccine challenges
Goodsell D. wellcome. 2016. 


Addressing pandemic preparedness

COVID-19 is an airborne virus that has spread throughout the world, but it is not the first Pandemic nor will it be the last.

We will continue to be confronted with rapidly spreading viruses like COVID-19, and must prepare to respond appropriately and swiftly. Attention must be given to developing systems to prevent, aid, and protect us from future pandemics.

This Playlist examines multiple facets of pandemic prevention, transmission, and response,

  • addressing pandemic threats
  • global vaccine uptake
  • novel therapeutic development
  • mechanisms of viral transmission.

As a society, we may be able to more effectively act against pandemics and epidemics as they emerge.

These speakers provide insight to what has happened and what can be prevented IF the right systems are in place.