The final session of the conference will include some closing words, followed by a talk on averting future pandemics from Dr. Matthew Meselson. Dr. Meselson will discuss past pandemics, the mode of transmission of the particular pathogen, measures to prevent such transmission, and the practical politics of implementing such measures. Dr. Meselson has conducted research at Harvard University mainly in molecular genetics. Since 1963, Dr. Meselson has had an interest in biological and chemical weapons arms control and defense and has served as a consultant on this subject to numerous government agencies. He has organized and implemented three on-site investigations regarding the military use of herbicides in Viet Nam; the 1979 outbreak of anthrax in the Soviet city of Sverdlovsk; and the allegations of toxin warfare, the so-called 'yellow rain' in Laos and Cambodia during 1979-1983.