Media Release

Infectious Diseases, Human Behaviour: what's that got to do with Economics?

The transmission of infectious diseases ­ from AIDS to the common cold ­ will be looked at from a new and unique perspective when US economist Professor Mark Gersovitz gives a free public lecture tonight at the University of Adelaide.

The Professor of Economics at Johns Hopkins University, Professor Gersovitz has co-authored a study on AIDS and his surveys of sexual behaviour have been published in American journals.

He is widely known for his work on foreign debt and economic development, and his research projects have been commissioned by such organisations as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the United Nations.

His talk, titled Human Behaviour and the Transmission of Infectious Diseases: An Economist's Perspective, is the annual Joseph Fisher Lecture held at the University of Adelaide.

Professor Gersovitz will give some insights into the issue of "personal self-interest" versus "the greater good" when dealing with infectious diseases.

He'll also discuss the many costs involved in carrying and transmitting infectious diseases ­ from personal costs to economic ones ­ and look at ways in which governments can tackle these issues.

Entry to the Joseph Fisher Lecture is FREE. All are welcome.

WHERE? Lecture Room 102, First Floor, Napier Building, University of Adelaide.
WHEN? 5.30pm TONIGHT (Thursday, June 3)