SARS expert to speak at UQ seminar

A University of Queensland virologist, who recently led a Severe Acute Respiratory syndrome (SARS) investigation in China, will present a public lecture at UQ tomorrow (Thursday, May 8).

Professor John Mackenzie from UQ’s School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences will discuss New disease emergence – how, why and when? at 4.30pm in the Institute for Molecular Bioscience auditorium, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, Chancellor’s Place, St Lucia campus.

He will examine how and why diseases emerge and what can be done to prevent new diseases developing.

Professor Mackenzie returned from China recently after leading a World Health Organisation (WHO) team of four international infectious disease experts.

They were investigating whether cases of atypical pneumonia in Guangdong Province were early cases of SARS.

The seminar is part of the Frontiers in Science lecture series presented by UQ’s Bright Minds, a $2.2 million initiative launched last year to further attract and nurture high-achieving students to a career in the biological and chemical sciences.

Following Professor Mackenzie’s speech, Associate Professor Peter O’Donoghue from the School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences will discuss People, parasites, pests and plagues at 6pm.

Dr O’Donoghue is a pre-clinical microbiologist specialising in the study of parasites and last year was the joint winner of the Prime Minister’s Australian Award for Individual Teacher of the Year.

Media: For further information, contact Professor Mackenzie (telephone 07 3365 4648), Ann Meiklejohn from UQ’s Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences (telephone 07 3365 6636) or Joanne van Zeeland at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2619).