Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Articles and information published before this date may reference the organisation's former name.
The Te Niwha Infectious Diseases and Pandemic Preparedness Summit 2024, taking place from 12–14 November at Rutherford House in Wellington, will bring together leaders and experts from public health, biomedical research, clinical practice, and policy to explore the latest advancements in infectious diseases and strategies for pandemic preparedness.
The summit is co-hosted by Te Niwha Director Te Pora Thompson and Distinguished Professor David Murdoch from the University of Otago, alongside a line-up of guest speakers including Sir Ashley Bloomfield (ESR), Professor John Fraser (University of Auckland), and Dr. Fiona Cram (Katoa Ltd). The event features a diverse program focused on five key themes: prevention, surveillance, diagnostics, therapeutics and Te Aō Māori.
Keynote speakers include Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, a leading voice in global health, and Hon. Nanaia Mahuta, New Zealand’s Minister for Foreign Affairs. The summit represents a unique opportunity to discuss emerging challenges in infectious diseases, share insights, and build collaborative solutions to enhance global health security.
Te Niwha is the response to the Strategic Science Investment Funding Programmes (SSIF) call to develop an Infectious Diseases Research Platform to prepare for known and emerging disease threats. The Platform is hosted in partnership by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) and the University of Otago, engaging communities and researchers through a nation-wide network.
· Full details on the program, speakers, and registration information.