Last week, it finally happened: the Viruskenner Masterclass at the beautiful Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam! A day full of knowledge, insights, and inspiring conversations, where students had the unique opportunity to learn everything about viruses, healthcare, and nature conservation from top experts in the field.
The day began with a fascinating lecture by Prof. Dr. Eric van Gorp, who took the students on a journey into the world of Global Health. He explained how health issues are interconnected worldwide and why international collaboration is essential to combat infectious diseases. A topic more relevant than ever!
Next, Lydia Hernandez introduced us to the world of Public Health. She demonstrated that public health is not just about combating diseases but also about prevention and awareness. How can we protect ourselves and others from viruses? Lydia had the answers, and the students listened intently.
Andro Vos brought a captivating story about the Wildlife Academy in South Africa. He explained how the health of animals and humans are linked and how researchers and conservationists collaborate to better understand and prevent zoonoses – diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. A true eye-opener for many!
Virologist Daniël Aynekulu Mersha delved even deeper into the world of viruses and answered all the students’ questions. How do new viruses emerge? How can we combat them? Are we prepared for the next pandemic? Daniël provided insights into the latest developments and made this complex topic accessible and understandable.
As a closing session, there was an impressive conversation between Jan van Beek and an HIV patient. This open discussion gave a personal and realistic insight into living with HIV, offering students a unique opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the impact of this disease on daily life.
The students were incredibly enthusiastic and took full advantage of the opportunity to explore their curiosity. They asked smart and critical questions, actively participated, and went home with a backpack full of new knowledge. It was a day full of inspiration and science, bringing us one step closer to a better understanding of viruses and health.