As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, we were warned that it can take up to ten years for a vaccine to be developed – but the first Covid-19 vaccines were approved for use in the EU on 21 December. What did this process involve, and how did it happen so fast? And what will be involved in distributing and administering the vaccines globally?

On 21 January at 13.00, join us to discuss the race for a vaccine for COVID-19.

Our panel includes experts from science, research and immunology, racing to find a cure; a volunteer who has experienced the vaccine for themselves; and a member of the Department of Health’s COVID-19 communications and behavioural advisory group. The conversation will be moderated by Gillian Roddie, Programme Manager at Tangent – Trinity’s Ideas Workspace.

Panelists

Karina Jakubowicz

Karina Jakubowicz lectures on literary modernism, twentieth century literature, and film. She is an adjunct lecturer at Florida State University, Fordham University, and James Madison University, and works at their London campuses. In June 2019, Karina began to participate in the COVID-19 vaccine study at the Imperial College London.

Luke O’Neill

Professor Luke O’Neill is an immunologist and Professor of Biochemistry in the School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College Dublin. In 2016, he was made a fellow of the Royal Society for his innovative work on the human immune system. He has a popular weekly slot on Newstalk’s Pat Kenny Show and is the author of bestselling books Never Mind the B#ll*cks, Here’s the Science, Humanology and The Great Irish Science Book for children.

Molly Byrne

Molly is Professor of Health Psychology and Health Research Board Research Leader in the School of Psychology at NUI Galway, where she is Director of the Health Behaviour Change Research Group. She and her team apply behavioural science to the development and evaluation of complex interventions to promote healthy behaviour change within health services and to promote public health. Molly is currently a member of the Department of Health’s Covid-19 Communications and Behavioural Advisory Group.

Nuala Murphy

Nuala Murphy has been President of ICON Clinical Research Services since January 2014. In her role, she presides over global project management, biometrics, site and patient recruitment, medical and regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, medical imaging and risk management. She has over 20 years’ experience within the pharmaceutical and CRO industry.