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A brand-new season of The Oxford Colloquy – a podcast series of conversations with leading experts in science and healthcare – is launched this week by Oxford Vaccine Group.

Professor Sir Andrew Pollard as a podcast host in a recording studio, sitting at a desk and facing a computer

Hosted by Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group and PSI Investigator, the new Trusting the Science series delves into the crucial role that science plays in our understanding of health and immunity. 

Throughout the series, Professor Pollard interviews leading global experts – starting with Anthony Fauci, Chief Scientific Advisor to seven US Presidents – on their scientific journey, the discoveries they have made, and their thoughts on how we can build and maintain the public’s trust in scientific knowledge at a time of misinformation and cynicism.

The first episode – airing today 19 September – is available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, as well as a video version on YouTube. It is also available via Oxford University Podcasts

 

 

Professor Pollard said: “This year marks the Oxford Vaccine Group’s 30th anniversary since its establishment in 1994 and these conversations are dedicated to exploring the world of science by finding out about the facts, stories and experiences of the people that make it all possible. 

“They are designed to inspire listeners with thoughtful and insightful perspectives on science and science policy, as well as to record the fascinating journeys of some of the most distinguished physicians and scientists of our time and those involved in communicating science and policymakers.”

Following this first launch episode, the podcast will release new episodes on the last Thursday of every month starting on 26 September 2024, to coincide with the 30th anniversary celebrations of the foundation of the Oxford Vaccine Group. 

Notable upcoming guests include:

  • Professor Dame Sally Davies, former government Chief Medical Officer and UK Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance, who will talk about her journey into medicine, legislating for public health, and the complexities of tackling antimicrobial resistance;
  • Professor Peter Doherty, Nobel laureate, immunologist and Australian National Living Treasure, on his controversial discovery of killer T cells, ensuing notoriety, and the accidental tweet that actually made him famous;
  • Fiona Fox OBE, Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society and Chief Executive of the Science Media Centre, on improving the quality of the science in our news, the politics of the truth and the importance of good communicators in the media. 

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