Surveillance, Research Rules, and Real Preparedness: A Conversation with Jim Alwine, PhD.

Heather McSharry, PhD
9 hours ago
5 min read

Summary

When infectious disease surveillance gets cut, we often don’t see the impact—until it’s too late. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jim Alwine, a retired virologist and professor, to talk about what it really takes to prepare for future pandemics. From wastewater to sentinel clinics, from “gain-of-function” confusion to the politics of lab-leak theories, we explore how public health systems detect threats early—and what happens when those systems are dismantled.

Dr. Alwine draws on decades of virology experience to walk us through the tools we still need, the rules researchers face, and why some well-meaning policies may be doing more harm than good. He also shares practical advice for listeners who want to support evidence-based public health and influence policy where it matters.

Listen here or scroll down to read full episode.

Full Episode

The following is a summary of our conversation. For the whole conversation, here's the transcript:

Imagine a fire alarm that only rings once the house is already in flames. That's where we’re headed if we allow disease surveillance systems—the quiet sentinels of public health—to continue crumbling.

In Episode 29 of Infectious Dose, Heather sits down with Dr. Jim Alwine, a virologist and veteran advocate for scientific integrity, to pull back the curtain on what real pandemic preparedness looks like—and why we may be closer to failure than we think.

Surveillance: The Invisible Shield We Forgot

Most people never think about infectious disease surveillance. And that’s by design—when it works, you don’t see it. But Dr. Alwine reminds us that behind every controlled outbreak is a network of scientists and health workers quietly collecting data, spotting trends, and mobilizing responses. One shining example? The global eradication of smallpox. It wasn’t a miracle—it was the result of relentless surveillance, coordination, and cooperation across continents.

But today, that system is under attack. Surveillance programs have been defunded, lab oversight is tightening to a fault, and political interference is tying the hands of researchers.

“We're not even monitoring measles outbreaks, whooping cough, or vaccine-preventable diseases. We’re flying blind.” — Dr. Jim Alwine

Preparedness Isn’t a Buzzword—It’s a System

What happens when we stop watching? We get caught off guard—like we did with SARS-CoV-2. Virologists had warned us. We knew a respiratory virus, likely a coronavirus, was coming. But the system failed. Politics overtook science. Trust in public health dissolved.

The consequences were—and still are—deadly.

Even now, surveillance of H5N1 bird flu—a known pandemic risk—is limited, especially in vulnerable areas like farms where workers often can't afford to report illness.

“The more you let it replicate, the more chances you give it to hit the genetic lottery.” — Dr. Alwine

Are We Overcorrecting on Lab Safety?

One unintended side effect of the lab leak theory frenzy is that it’s led to sweeping restrictions on pathogen research, even for viruses like herpes simplex or rhinovirus. New U.S. guidelines now cast an overly broad net, ensnaring benign research under the same umbrella as bioterror threats.

While oversight is essential, Dr. Alwine warns we may be hobbling the very science we’ll need to combat the next crisis. He points to gain-of-function research—a phrase that’s become politically radioactive but has yielded breakthroughs in vaccines, cancer therapies, and even food security.

“The benefits often outweigh the theoretical risks. But now, scientists are leaving. And the next generation? They're staying away.” — Dr. Alwine

Misinformation, Fear, and the Erosion of Trust

Heather and Dr. Alwine delve into how fear-based narratives, amplified by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have created a hostile climate for science. From vaccine hesitancy to the popularization of lab-origin conspiracies, public trust in the scientific process is unraveling.

A sobering statistic? Nearly 70% of Americans believe COVID-19 came from a lab leak—a theory with no credible scientific evidence, as Dr. Alwine underscores.

The result? Pathogen research is frozen. Surveillance is dismantled. And public health, once a bipartisan priority, is now a battleground.

So What Now? Is There a Way Back?

Despite the setbacks, Dr. Alwine remains hopeful. He believes science can recover—if we start supporting it again. That means:

Funding surveillance systems
Restoring vaccine access
Protecting research from political interference
Educating the public through credible, transparent communication

Organizations like Defend Public Health (DPH) are stepping up. Their work includes writing counter-legislation, launching awareness campaigns, and empowering individuals to speak up.

“Preparedness fails quietly… unless we remember what life was like before vaccines. Unless we believe in science. Unless we care for each other's well-being.” — Dr. Alwine

How You Can Help

Dr. Alwine urges listeners to get involved—scientists and non-scientists alike. It’s not about shouting into the void. It’s about writing letters, joining campaigns, attending local hearings, and keeping the pressure on lawmakers.

Even one voice can make a difference. And if we don't speak up for science, someone else will speak over it—with dangerous consequences.

Thanks for being here and if you're inspired to help, there are resources linked beneath my signature. Until next week, stay healthy, stay informed, and spread knowledge not diseases.

How to Get Involved

Defend Public Health (DPH)

Newsletter Signup: https://www.defendpublichealth.org/ (Scroll to bottom for signup; Stay informed and take weekly actions)
Volunteer or Join Committees: https://www.defendpublichealth.org/get-involved

Advocate for Science-Based Policy

Call or Write Your Representatives (U.S.):

Links to Relevant Articles and Podcasts

AZ Capitol Times Op-Ed by Alwine & Jacobs (re: expanding vaccine access):

Improving the Health of America Together (DPH counter to RFK Jr.'s MAHA plan)

Infectious Disease Surveillance | International Encyclopedia of Public Health

An relatively easy to read 2016 overview of the reasons for, and methods of, infectious disease surveillance.

Field Research Is Essential to Counter Virological Threats | Journal of Virology Changing human–wildlife contact is increasing spillover risks. Avian influenza’s spread across species and regions highlights the need for field research. Monitoring viruses in real time is essential for pandemic readiness.

Virology under the Microscope—a Call for Rational Discourse (From 2023 but explains the basics and defines problems, still very current.) The COVID-19 pandemic brought intense scrutiny to virology, including concerns about research safety. A vocal minority has blurred legitimate safety questions with speculation about SARS-CoV-2’s origins, fueling public confusion and mistrust. This article aims to restore rational, evidence-based discourse by explaining gain-of-function research, reviewing origin theories, and outlining existing U.S. oversight. As working virologists, we offer our expertise to help policymakers navigate these complex issues and support essential research.

Oversight of Pathogen Research Must Be Carefully Calibrated and Clearly Defined | Journal of Virology The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) advises the U.S. government on biosecurity and research safety. In 2022, it was asked to review oversight frameworks for high-risk pathogen research: DURC and P3CO. On January 27, 2023, the NSABB approved 13 recommendations—later adopted by the Biden Administration—that significantly expanded federal oversight. This article, written before their approval, raises concerns about the potential consequences of overly restrictive regulation.

TWiV 1121: SARS-CoV2 still didn’t come from a lab. This episode thoroughly refutes the points made in a New York Times guest opinion stating that SARS-CoV-2 most likely originated from a lab.