GVN Experts Convene to Discuss H5N1 Flu — 2nd ad hoc panel

On June 27th, the Global Virus Network hosted a 2nd ad hoc panel of experts to discuss the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. This panel brought together experts to discuss and analyze potential implications for human health and global health security, strategizing responses to this viral threat.

The 1st ad hoc panel occurred on May 13th.

The 3rd panel is scheduled for July 30. Follow GVN on social media for updates and registration: find our social media channels linked at the bottom of this page.

*10 July update: thanks to the panelists, who have given their explicit permission, the video recording is now available below.

Panel Objectives

  1. Review current diagnostic methods for avian influenza.
  2. Elucidate the challenges there are for diagnosing avian influenza.
  3. Distill the challenges posed by genetic variability of viruses to diagnostics.
  4. Explore innovative technologies and approaches to circumvent roadblocks.

Panel Members

  • Erik Stemmy, PhD: Team Lead for the Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response, National Institute of Allergy, and Infectious Diseases
  • Andrew Pekosz, PhD: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
  • Martha Nelson, PhD: Specialist in pathogen evolution at the human-animal interface, US National Institutes of Health.
  • Elyse Stachler, PhD; Research Scientist in the Pardis Sabeti lab at the Broad Insitute of MIT and Harvard, US. Expert in high-throughput CRISPR-Cas diagnostics
  • Albert Osterhaus, PhD; Renowned virologist known for his expertise in zoonotic viruses and contributions to global infectious disease research and pandemic preparedness affiliated with University of Veterinary Medicine; Hannover, Germany
  • Phillip Gauger, DVM, Ms, PhD; Professor at Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Expert in diagnostics, swine production medicine, influenza A virus in swine, PRRSV, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, porcine circovirus, porcine parainfluenza virus type 1

Moderator

  • Maggie L. Bartlett, PhD: Virologist at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and Program Director of the GVN.

Thank you for your interest and support in addressing critical challenges in infectious disease research and response.

Note: For inquiries or to contribute to the panel, please contact Maggie L. Bartlett, PhD.


About the Global Virus Network (GVN)

The GVN is essential and critical in the preparedness, defense, and first research response to emerging, existing, and unidentified viruses that pose a clear and present threat to public health. Working in close coordination with established national and international institutions, the GVN is a coalition comprised of eminent human and animal virologists from 80+ Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in 41 countries, working collaboratively to train the next generation, advance knowledge about how to identify and diagnose pandemic viruses, mitigate and control how such viruses spread and make us sick, as well as develop drugs, vaccines, and treatments to combat them. No single institution in the world has expertise in all viral areas other than the GVN, which brings together the finest medical virologists to leverage their individual expertise and coalesce global teams of specialists on the scientific challenges, issues, and problems posed by pandemic viruses. The GVN is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, please visit www.gvn.org.

General Media Contact:
Linman Li