Distinguished Lecture Series

Purpose & Plan

The primary purpose of the series is to reach out to, encourage and inspire young professionals globally. The IBS Education Committee is charged with selecting presenters whose research and work in the field highlight an interesting application, or a new methodology or development in biometrics, biostatistics or biomathematics. The committee seeks presenters of wide interest among members and, though not required, it is ideal when early career professionals working in the field (within 10 years of PhD completion) can be featured. 

IBS members may register for each Distinguished Lecture Series webinar free of charge. They may also view previous sessions online. To see previously-recorded Distinguished Lecture Series sessions, visit the Video Sessions page. 

If you would like to join the IBS, please click here and identify your local affiliated IBS Region. If a local Region cannot be found, please contact the International Biometric Office to join the IBS directly. 

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If you need help with your username/password, contact us at ibs@biometricsociety.org.

Upcoming Distinguished Lecture: 19 November 2026

Event Information

  • Date: 19 November 2026
  • Time: 7:00 a.m. EST | Noon UTC | 10 p.m. AEST
  • Prof. Shlomit Paz, School of Environmental Sciences Head, Climate and Environmental Sustainability Center University of Haifa, Israel
  • Title: "Climate Change Impacts on Vector-Borne Disease Transmission and Outbreaks: A Current Global Perspective and future Projections"

Register To Attend!


Abstract

Climate change is fundamentally altering the spatial and temporal distribution of vector-borne diseases (VBDs), presenting an escalating challenge to global public health. The lecture will provide a comprehensive global overview of how changes in climatic parameters, such as rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events, accelerate the geographic range expansion and outbreaks of key vector-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, dengue, and leishmaniasis. By examining current re-emerging and novel VBD outbreaks, highlighting high-vulnerability regions and vulnerable populations, and analyzing climate change effects that amplify transmission cycles, the lecture will integrate empirical surveillance data with predictive modeling. Attention will be given to the complex socio-ecological drivers, including land-use changes, human mobility, and globalization, that compound climate-driven risks. Finally, adaptive health systems frameworks will be presented, together with early warning systems and proactive vector management strategies essential for preparedness and mitigating future epidemic events.

Speaker

Dr. Paz is a climatologist and environmental health researcher investigating the scientific basis and the impacts of climate change.

Over the years, her research has focused on analyzing, expanding, and deepening scientific knowledge on the human health impacts of climate change, with special attention to its influence on the transmission of vector-borne diseases at regional and global levels. 

In her work, Dr. Paz explores the diverse effects on the outbreak, spread, and transmission of infectious diseases - mainly those transmitted by insects (West Nile virus, Leishmania), as well as food-borne (Campylobacter) and water-borne (Cholera) diseases. In addition, Dr. Paz is involved in a major project examining the association between severe heat and the risk of stroke among the Israeli population. 

Dr. Paz's work focuses not only on scientific aspects, but also on practical recommendations for better preparedness and adaptation to the health risks resulting from the climate crisis.

At the University of Haifa, Dr. Paz served as the Head of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, and as the Vice Dean of Teaching in The Herta and Paul Amir Faculty of Social Sciences.

Currently, Dr. Paz is the Head of the Climate and Environmental Sustainability Center in the Rector's Office. As of May 2026, Dr. Paz is the Academic Head of the University Library (Younes and Soraya Nazarian Library).

Distinguished Lecture Series

For more information about the Distinguished Lecture Series contact:

Peter Doherty, IBO, Staff Liaison

The Distinguished Lecture Series is a members-only service of the IBS.

Registration Fees

IBS Member – Free

Non-member – N/A

Audience

The IBS Distinguished Lecture Series is open to all IBS members worldwide (not limited to English-speaking natives).

At this time, the Distinguished Lecture Series is only available to IBS members. We plan to evaluate our policy from time to time and may consider access by non-members in the future. 

Venue

Sessions are presented online using Zoom webinar services and will include both audio and video content.

Instructions for access are made available to all confirmed participants.

You will receive a unique email from our Zoom conference email.