Let’s Talk About Surveillance: How should we track disease?

Disease surveillance helps us spot outbreaks early, track patterns, and look after public health. But it can also feel uncomfortable. As more everyday data is used to predict and prevent pandemics, questions about trust, transparency, and who gets a say become harder to ignore.

This event in the second 'Let's Talk About' event organised by the History of Science Museum, created with the Pandemic Sciences Institute. Join us at the History of Science Museum for conversations exploring questions such as ‘how do you identify emerging pandemic threats?’ and ‘how should we navigate everyday data — from social media to wearable devices — being used in public health?’.

You'll hear from four thought-provoking speakers, including ANTITHESES'  Dr Jana Sedlakova, who will guide small breakout discussions centred around unique objects that tell a story about their work. 

Jana is a postdoctoral researcher at the Ethox Centre. Her research focuses on the ethics of data use and AI in healthcare, and on developing constructive ways to engage with controversial and difficult health-related topics. Drawing on her work with epidemiologists and data scientists, she explores how different sources and types of data are reshaping our practices, and where their limitations, opportunities, and risks lie.

You'll also have an opportunity to contribute to the conversation as the event explores how all of us can shape future research on these topics. Will hearing each other’s stories shift how we think?

Let’s talk about surveillance.

For booking tickets and more information on the day and event, please visit the HSM page

Swindon Event at the Festival of Tomorrow

17th February 2026 | 19:00 - 21:00 |

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway, Fire Fly Ave, Swindon SN2 2EY

FREE event, but booking required. Please book your tickets here