Viral Diseases: Between Panic and Trivialization

Viruses, rumors, real-world impacts, and the normalization of these issues… How can we make sense of viral diseases
? Come discuss these topics with scientists at the University of Montpellier’s Science Bar!

The University of Montpellier’s first “Science Bar 2026” will take place on Thursday, January 29, 20
, at 7:30 p.m. at Brasserie Le Dôme. This inaugural event offers a unique “
” evening focused on viral diseases, a topic at the forefront of scientific
and media discourse. Titled “Viral Diseases: Between Panic and Trivialization,” the evening
invites the public to engage in an open dialogue with experts.

Given the rise in epidemics and the massive spread of information, how can we distinguish scientific understanding from media panic—or, conversely, from complacency in the face of the threat?
The discussion may address, in particular, the evolution of viral diseases—from AIDS to emerging viruses
—as well as inequalities in access to healthcare across different populations and countries, and the challenges of prevention and scientific monitoring.

This event offers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of viral diseases within their scientific and social context, all whi
ly engaging with researchers over a drink in a relaxed setting.

To discuss this topic, three experts from various fields will answer questions from the audience live:

• 
  Bernard TAVERNE is a health anthropologist at the “
  ” Laboratory for Translational Research on HIV and Infectious Diseases and the Northern Coordinator of the ANRS Senegal Site (UMI TransVIHMI – IRD, ANRS, and the Inserm Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases
  ). His work focuses on the social dimensions of HIV in West Africa
  , particularly care pathways, treatment adherence, aging with HIV, and the adaptation of health policies to local realities.
• Serafín GUTIERREZ is a virologist at the Animal Health–
  –Territories–Risks–Ecosystems Unit (ASTRE – CIRAD, INRAE, University of Montpellier) and
  an associate researcher at the virology laboratory of Montpellier University Hospital. His research
  focuses on the ecology and evolution of viruses, particularly those transmitted by
  mosquitoes (West Nile and Usutu viruses).
• Alain MAKINSON is a university professor and hospital-based infectious disease specialist at the Department of Tropical Infectious Diseases (MIT – Montpellier University Hospital) (
  ) and president of the Occitanie Regional Sexual Health Coordination Committee (CORESS – formerly COREVIH) (
  ). His work focuses primarily on aging with HIV, comorbidities, and frailty—particularly neurocognitive disorders—with the aim of improving clinical care for people living with a controlled chronic infection.

Free admission, subject to availability.