Dr. Fauci on COVID, the Next Global Threat, and Scientific Integrity

Are we on the brink of another pandemic? Bioethicist Insoo Hyun of the Museum of Science and co-host Vardit Ravitsky of The Hastings Center sit down with Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a trusted adviser to seven U.S. presidents, including George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. Dr. Fauci reflects on the lessons of COVID-19, the threat of emerging pandemics, and the dangers of misinformation during a health crisis. In this wide-ranging discussion, they examine how pandemics emerge, the role of zoonotic (animal-to-human) transmission, and the urgent need for public health preparedness to prevent future outbreaks like the H5N1 bird flu. Dr. Fauci shares insights on the scientific breakthroughs behind rapid vaccine development and discusses how public mistrust and misinformation have shaped global health responses. He also reflects on his decades-long work combating HIV/AIDS, including the launch of PEPFAR, emphasizing that scientific progress depends on public trust and equitable healthcare access. This compelling conversation reveals what past health crises have taught us—and how we can better prepare for the future. Chapters 00:00: Introduction 00:34: Are We On The Verge of Another Pandemic? 03:47: Dr. Fauci on the Bird Flu 08:30: Balancing Individual Rights & Public Health in Interventions 10:40: How Do We Address Misinformation and How Do We Better Prepare 18:43: What Surprised Dr. Fauci During the COVID-19 Pandemic 21:55: Did We Emerge from the COVID-19 Pandemic with Less Public Trust 24:51: How the AIDS Epidemic Impacted Dr. Fauci 30:21: Science vs. Politics: Coping with the Clash 32:02: Dr. Fauci on Navigating Trust Amid Misinformation 33:51: Divided Values: When Saving Lives Isn't Universal 36:47: Dr. Fauci on Working with George W. Bush 42:44: What Inspires Dr. Fauci Now 44:27: Navigating Misinformation: Everyday Tips from Dr. Fauci 46:35: Dr. Fauci: Finding Peace Under Pressure 48:59: Dr. Fauci on Getting Infected with West Nile Virus 53:26: What's Next for Dr. Fauci Insoo Hyun is Director of the Center for Life Sciences and Public Learning at the Boston Museum of Science, and an affiliate of the Center for Bioethics at Harvard Medical School. He is joined by Vardit Ravitsky, President and CEO of the Hastings Center, who brings a global bioethics lens to this urgent conversation. Together, they highlight the delicate balance between individual freedoms and collective responsibility—offering a path forward built on transparent communication, science education, and respect for ethical values. The Hastings Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization created from multiple disciplines, including philosophy, law, political science, and education. The Hastings Center was critical to establishing the field of bioethics in 1969 and has been evolving ever since. Founded by philosopher Daniel Callahan and psychoanalyst Willard Gaylin, The Hastings Center is the oldest independent, nonpartisan, interdisciplinary research institute of its kind in the world. The Big Question (Video Series): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxeUBLGfcIB-EMlNjOfP1_4HlL_I32Lto More Dr. Fauci Conversations - Dr. Fauci Reflects on COVID-19, 5 Years Later: https://youtube.com/shorts/zGZj-o4jVWA - New Dr. Fauci Interview - Insights from Working with Past Presidents: https://youtube.com/shorts/x2TE4QeoxZY Among the world's largest science centers, the Museum of Science engages millions of people each year to the wonders of science and technology through interactive exhibitions, digital programs, giant screen productions, and preK – 12 EiE® STEM curricula through the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Science Education Center. Established in 1830, the Museum is home to such iconic experiences as the Theater of Electricity, the Charles Hayden Planetarium, and the Mugar Omni Theater. Around the world, the Museum is known for digital experiences such as Mission: Mars on Roblox, and traveling exhibitions such as the Science Behind Pixar. Learn more at https://www.mos.org/ Copyright © 2025. Museum of Science. All rights reserved. This video is owned by the Museum of Science and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without prior written permission from the Museum of Science.