The  international webinar is organized by the US National Academy of Engineering, Chinese Academy of Engineering, and UK Royal Academy of Engineering, highlighting the role of engineering in solving the many and varied challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This second event in the series will address how engineers sought to limit exposure to the virus and accelerate the dissemination of vaccines through the application of both established and novel technologies. Presentations will address: ventilation and virus control for mass passenger transportation in China;

 the development and testing of a new microneedle array platform capable of delivering vaccines directly into the skin, with the particular goal of improving COVID-19 vaccination in the developing world; and the influence of indoor airflows and effectiveness of engineering approaches to controlling airborne disease transmission in buildings. Speakers will also participate in a roundtable discussion with additional experts invited to offer their perspectives and insights on the challenges confronted and solutions developed. The webinar will be moderated by Dr. 

Harvey Fineberg, an internationally recognized leader in research on global health, the assessment of medical technology, evaluation and use of vaccines, and dissemination of medical innovations. Dr. Fineberg is also the former president of the US Institute of Medicine (now National Academy of Medicine) and recently chaired a committee providing on-demand COVID-19 policy advice to the US federal government. 

 The presentations and discussions will enlighten engineering students and seasoned professionals alike and bring new understanding of engineering’s role in meeting societal needs in times of adversity. The event will begin live broadcasting at 9am EDT in the United States, 2pm BST in London, and 9pm China Standard Time.