October 11, 2023, 6:02 am
World-leading epidemiologist Raina MacIntyre examines pandemics through the lens of history, asking what lessons we have learned and how we might navigate the new frontiers of bio-security.
Professor MacIntyre’s work has revealed a recurrent theme of denial, silence and cover-up around unnatural epidemics, along with the powerful vested interests at play. Drawing on quantum advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology, she calls for a cross-disciplinary, global approach to safeguarding our future. She envisages a future where human genome editing and the resurrection of extinct viruses might be the norm.
Professor MacIntyre argues that the solution to the existential threat we face from biotechnology will not come from scientists, but from the community having a voice in the future of the planet and of humanity.
Content Creator – Australian Institute of International Affairs
