Explore the origins, evolution, and lifecycle of pandemics in this comprehensive lecture by Professor Richard Neher from the University of Basel. Delve into the complex world of viral pathogens, examining how they spill over from animals to humans, adapt to new hosts, and potentially develop into global health crises. Learn about cutting-edge techniques for tracking viruses, understand the factors that contribute to outbreaks, and gain insights into the transition from pandemic to endemic status. Discover the fascinating history of past pandemics, including influenza, and analyze the current COVID-19 situation, with a focus on the Omicron variant. Gain valuable knowledge about virus behavior, genomic analysis, and the future of pandemic management in this informative presentation from the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics' Public Lecture Series.