New Lecture Series Kicks Off With Exploration of Future Science Driven by COVID-19

What: A New Era for Science: Creating New Defenses Against Disease After COVID-19

When: Monday, May 16, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Health Sciences Innovation Building, Forum, 1670 E. Drachman St., Tucson

Note: Media who wish to attend should contact Margarita Bauzá at mbauza@arizona.edu.

The new University of Arizona Health Sciences Tomorrow is here Lecture Series kicks off Monday, May 16, at 5:30 p.m. with a discussion of how key biomedical research discoveries connected to COVID-19 are driving new pathways of scientific pursuit to create defenses against disease.

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Deepta Bhattacharya, PhD, professor of immunobiology in the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, will present the lecture, which is free and open to the public. Dr. Bhattacharya’s research in the Department of Immunobiology focuses on antibody responses to infections and vaccines, including viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and flaviviruses.

“We were able to move quickly because of all of the basic work that was already being done on the coronavirus,” Dr. Bhattacharya said, referring to one of the key take-aways of the pandemic. “We have been studying this family of viruses that is causing a lot of problems, and this knowledge has allowed us to adapt and respond quickly.”

Dr. Bhattacharya, a member of the university’s BIO5 Institute, will discuss the groundwork that led to the creation of a COVID-19 vaccine in record time and how research continues to build on this experience. He also will talk about the work being done around other viruses and pathogens that could help minimize the impact of future viral outbreaks.

The Tomorrow is here Lecture Series focuses on the research and discoveries educators are using to train the next generation of health care professionals and scientists to improve the health of Arizonans and people around the world.

There is no charge to attend but registration is required.

To register, visit https://events.trellis.arizona.edu/en/f44lNu67/a-new-era-for-science-creating-new-defenses-against-disease-after-covid-19-5a3U3nDxV7R/overview.