It will be the shot heard ‘round the world, once it comes.  But exactly when can we expect a COVID vaccine?  We discuss timelines, how it would work, who’s involved, and the role of human challenge trials. 

Also, although he doesn’t consider himself brave, we do.  Meet a Seattle volunteer enrolled in the first coronavirus vaccine trial.  And, while we mount an elaborate defense against a formidable foe, scientists ask a surprising question: is a virus even alive?

Guests:

  • Nigel Brown – Emeritus Professor of Molecular Microbiology at the University of Edinburgh
  • Ian Haydon – Public information specialist at the University of Washington, Seattle

  • Bonnie Maldonado – Professor of Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases at the Stanford University School of Medicine

  • Paul Offit – Head of the Vaccine Education Center, and chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases, at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Descripción en español

Segments:
Part 1: Nigel Brown / Are Viruses Alive?
Part 2: Bonnie Maldonado / Vaccine Development
Part 3: Ian Haydon / Vaccine Trial
Part 4: Paul Offit / Coronavirus Vaccine

Podcast also available on PocketCasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and RSS.

2026 Webby Award Nominee
for our three part series on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

Big Picture Science is an immersive radio show and podcast that reveals the unexpected connections in science.

Our Skeptic Check episodes take a critical look at extraordinary science claims and pseudoscience.

Don’t settle for a science snapshot. Get the big picture. 

Hosted By

Molly Bentley Executive Producer and Co-Host, Big Picture Science  

Seth Shostak Producer and Co-Host, Big Picture Science
Senior Astronomer, SETI Institute

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