U3A Brisbane

Further details here: www.u3abrisbane.org.au/new-premises

SPECIAL EVENT
The Transmission of Infectious Diseases
Prof. Kirsty Short and Dr Yanshan ZhuDate: Friday 12 June 2026, 1:15pm-2:45pm
Presenter: Prof. Kirsty Short and Dr Yanshan Zhu
Venue: City Campus, 232 Adelaide St.
Book here for the event: www.u3abrisbane.org.au/event-enrol

Professor Short is a basic and translational scientist with extensive expertise in virology and immunology. She has used the mechanistic aspects of basic science research to focus on translational solutions with regard to pandemic preparedness, namely for influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2.

This talk traces the evolving understanding of how infectious diseases are transmitted, from early theories of miasma — where illness was attributed to "bad air" — to the paradigm-shifting recognition of microbial pathogens and person-to-person spread. It explores key historical milestones that reshaped the field, including the establishment of germ theory, advances in epidemiology, and the identification of specific transmission routes such as airborne, droplet, and contact pathways. The presentation then moves to contemporary approaches, highlighting how modern technologies and controlled human challenge studies have refined our understanding of transmission dynamics, infectious dose, and host susceptibility.