The Curiosity Lecture series returns to the Festival with a line-up of our most thought-provoking speakers delivering one-time talks on topics of intrigue, interest and importance. Hear from world-leading epidemiologist and Dark Winter author Raina MacIntyre as she examines pandemics through the lens of history, what lessons we have learned, and how we might navigate the new frontiers of biosecurity. She provides a glimpse into quantum advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology, and considers calls for a cross-disciplinary, global approach to safeguard our future.

Supported by UNSW Sydney.

Raina MacIntyre (Australian)

Raina MacIntyre

Professor Raina MacIntyre is a dual-specialist physician with a masters and PhD in epidemiology, training in outbreak investigation and over 450 scientific publications. She is a leader in pandemics, bioterrorism, vaccines and facemasks, on expert committees for the WHO and other bodies. She won many awards including the Sir Henry Wellcome Medal and Prize from the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States and the Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science and Innovation.