EVENT POSTPONED

Regrettably, it has been necessary to postpone this event.

The event will be rescheduled at a later late.

“Staying ahead of viral threats — host interactions shape pandemic preparedness”

Distinguished Professor Jade Forwood
Biosecurity Program Lead
Gulbali Institute
Charles Sturt University

Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2026, 12.30–1.30 pm AEST
Venue:  Live streaming
Registration: Please register through Humanitix
Entry: No charge
All are welcome

Summary: Viruses are constantly evolving — but are we keeping pace?

Understanding how viruses interact with their hosts is central to predicting and responding to emerging infectious diseases.

Viruses are constantly evolving – and some have the capacity to evade immune defences. How we understand these processes will shape our ability to respond to future global health threats.

In this Provocations lecture, Distinguished Professor Jade Forwood explores how highly pathogenic viruses interact with and suppress the human immune system, and how these insights are informing the development of antivirals, vaccines and diagnostic tools. Drawing on advances in structural biology and virology, he will outline how researchers are working to stay ahead of emerging threats.

This is not only a scientific challenge, but one that sits at the intersection of biosecurity, preparedness and global coordination.

Jade Forwood is a structural virologist and Program Lead for Biosecurity at the Gulbali Institute at Charles Sturt University. He also directs THRIIVE, Australia’s first regional innovation hub for virology and biosecurity, strengthening national capability in pandemic preparedness and workforce development.

Professor Forwood’s research focuses on how viruses evade the human immune system and how this knowledge can be used to develop new antivirals and vaccines. His work has contributed to major advances in understanding viruses such as SARS, MERS, dengue and Nipah, and has led to the development of new therapeutic candidates now progressing through clinical trials.

With more than $57 million in research funding and extensive international collaborations, Professor Forwood is at the forefront of efforts to understand and respond to emerging infectious diseases – work that is increasingly critical in a world shaped by global health threats.

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