Preventing Future Pandemics

Preventing Future Pandemics

From Big Picture Science by Big Picture Science

May 11, 2026 · 60 min

About this episode

Jon Cohen discusses pandemic preparedness and the challenges of responding to emerging diseases.

We may not want to think about another pandemic, but, as epidemiologists say, it is once again a “when,” not “if,” scenario. For his latest book, journalist Jon Cohen, who has written extensively about infectious disease for the magazine Science, interviewed top epidemiologists around the world and followed virus hunters into damp and daunting bat caves to assess our pandemic preparedness readiness. Jon and Molly sit down before an audience in Los Angeles to talk about worrisome cuts to science funding and our ability (or inability) to be vigilant and respond quickly to emerging disease. There is good news: we know how to stop outbreaks. The question is, will we put our tools and vast knowledge to use? Guest: Jon Cohen – senior correspondent with Science Magazine, author of “Planning Miracles: How to Prevent Future Pandemics” Reading: The Trump Administration is Dismantling Efforts to Fight the Next Pandemic Big Picture Science is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to inquire about advertising on Big Picture Science. You can get early access to ad-free versions of every episode by joining us on Patreon. Thanks for your support…

People in this episode

Host: Molly

Guest: Jon Cohen

Topics covered

  • pandemic preparedness
  • infectious disease
  • epidemiology
  • science funding
  • public health

Keywords

  • pandemic
  • epidemiologists
  • virus hunters
  • science funding
  • outbreak prevention

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Science Magazine, Airwave Media, The Trump Administration

Books & works: Planning Miracles: How to Prevent Future Pandemics

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