Increased interest in studying virus

Tuesday, 1 February 2022 06:30

When the next pandemic hits, we may be in a better position as we’re likely to have far more experts to help.

Universities are reporting a boost in students wanting to study subjects like virology and epidemiology.

At the University of Zurich, in 2018 before Covid hit, there were 44 studying virology, in 2020 there were 116 on the course, and last year 91.

In Basel, the university has a Tropical and Public Health Institute which has seen hundreds sign up for online lectures.

But lecturers do point out that many students end up dropping out after initial enthusiasm – likely because the subjects are particularly challenging.

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