Skeptics in the Pub - HOW DO WE KNOW IF WE'RE PROTECTED FROM INFECTIONS?

To make informed public health decisions, we need reliable ways to measure how well interventions such as vaccines protect people from infectious diseases. Large clinical studies are considered the gold standard for assessing vaccine effectiveness. However, these studies are often expensive, take months or years to complete, and may not provide answers fast enough during emerging public health threats (such as the spread of new variants early in the COVID-19 pandemic).

Could a simple blood test tell us faster if we are protected from infections? By measuring components of the immune system (antibodies) using a blood test and linking measurement to protection against infections, we can identify the relationship between immune responses and protection. This relationship, known as a correlate of protection, can be used to make fast predictions of vaccine effectiveness, accelerate the evaluation of new interventions, and support timely, evidence-based public health decisions.

Eva Stadler is an applied mathematician and interdisciplinary researcher who is fascinated by how our immune system protects us from infectious diseases. At the Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, she combines mathematical modelling and statistical analysis with clinical and laboratory data to understand immunity to infections such as COVID-19, malaria, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
Her research explores how immune responses can be used to predict the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments. Through this work, she helps bridge the gap between immunology and public health, with the goal of improving how we evaluate and respond to emerging infectious disease threats and better protect those most at risk.

After the presentation:
Following the presentation and question time, we will hand the microphone over to one audience member for a 5 minute chat on a sceptical topic of their choice. It can be a news item, your own sceptical "special subject" or an encounter with everyday scepticism. If you're interested in sharing something with your fellow pubbers, contact us before the talk.
------------------------------------
On the first Thursday of each month, Australian Skeptics and friends get together for Skeptics in the Pub. People generally start arriving at around 6pm after work. The talk begins at 7pm and lasts for about 30 minutes. The night finishes when the last person leaves.

Enjoy a meal and a drink accompanied by lively discussion, free spoon bending lessons and the company of other sceptics, as we cover a variety of interesting topics.

There is no need to belong to Australian Skeptics - all are welcome. Bring friends too.

Please take a moment to read our Code of Conduct.

REMINDER - If you are feeling ill or showing any signs or symptoms of a possible COVID (or indeed any) infection, please do not attend.

Parking is available nearby at:

• 71 York Street Car Park (Wilson Parking)
• Landmark Car Park (Secure Parking), 24 York Street
• 321 Kent Street Car Park (Wilson Parking), ENTRY 86 Sussex Street
• Queen Victoria Building Car Park (Wilson Parking), 111 York Street