Forsch!-Podcast: “Corona Summer with a Tailwind” – how Braunschweig is Beating Covid-19

In the fourth episode of “Forsch!” – Science in an Interview, BZ reporters Andreas Eberhard and Dr. des Jeremias Othman (ForschungRegion Braunschweig) speak with virologist Prof. Dr. Melanie Brinkmann from the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research. The researcher provides an assessment of the current Corona situation, reports on her role in public and the exchange between science, politics and industry.

Light at the End of the Tunnel?

“Everything is always relative in life.” When asked about the current Corona situation, the virologist describes that although she sees light at the end of the tunnel, she would also like to urge caution against the background of rising incidences in individual districts. It is crucial to continue vaccinations with commitment and to adhere to the AHA rules as well as the obligation to wear masks. This is the only way the dangers posed by the mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can be absorbed by the health system. Regarding vaccination protection against the possible variants, Brinkmann states that the effect of the vaccines used so far gives cause for hope, but that there are slight weakening in immune protection against the new variants, for example from India. In her opinion, the current weather and thus the possibility of moving private meetings outdoors is giving us a tailwind. She still considers the NoCovid strategy, which she developed together with colleagues, to be groundbreaking – also with a view to autumn. In addition to vaccination, the key elements are consistent contact restrictions in the event of infection, comprehensive testing, the use of AHA rules and the knowledge that we as a society have to come to terms with the virus.

Science and Politics

The virologist from Braunschweig views the fact that politics has not followed this strategy critically on the one hand. In her opinion, the restrictions that have persisted since autumn could have been prevented by consistent action. On the other hand, she shows understanding for the position in which politicians see themselves. “I would never step out of this dialogue.” Melanie Brinkmann is always looking for an exchange and the attention of politicians, but makes it clear that the decision on the implementation of targeted measures must ultimately be made by politicians.

Science in Public Dialogue

Science must explain itself. “I have made that my mission,” says Melanie Brinkmann and feels committed to this attitude, as research is supported by tax money. In the media landscape, the researcher, who can confidently do without the title of ‘top virologist’, would like to see a little more precision in the reporting and close cooperation between science and politics. For the public dialogue, she particularly emphasizes the encouragement she has received in the context of her appearances on TV, on YouTube or via Twitter. “Those are totally beautiful moments for me.” Because she enjoys informing and educating, she cordially invites the audience to send her questions by email.

Science and Industry

The researcher also talks about an unexpected effect of media presence: Due to her visibility in the media, she was specifically approached by the hygiene department of a well-known meat producer and asked to investigate possible transmission routes of the virus. The findings of the published study referred to aerosols as a transmission route, which was confirmed by the RKI and WHO. Although the cooperation between industry and science is not one of her core activities, it was exciting and very productive.

Questions from the Readership

The episode concludes with questions from the readership of the Braunschweiger Zeitung. Topics of interest include cross-vaccinations, risks during pregnancy, the question of air filters in schools and the impact of climate change on future pandemics.

 

The podcast “Forsch! – Science in Interview” is a cooperation between ForschungRegion Braunschweig and Braunschweiger Zeitung. The hosts Jeremias Othman (ForschungRegion Braunschweig) and Andreas Eberhard (Braunschweiger Zeitung) speak with regional stakeholders about their research, their personalities – and about current social, political, and ethical questions and debates.

A new episode every month.Listen directly here or stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer.