The Race for a Vaccine

<p>Scientists are racing to make a vaccine for the coronavirus, collaborating across borders in what is usually a secretive and competitive field. But their cooperation has been complicated by national leaders trying to buy first claim on any breakthrough. Today, we explore how the fight to own a future coronavirus vaccine is revealing the boundaries of international solidarity.</p><p>Guest: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/katrin-bennhold?smid=pc-thedaily" target="_blank">Katrin Bennhold</a>, Berlin bureau chief for The New York Times, spoke with Lidia Oostvogels, who researches infectious diseases with the German biotech company CureVac. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. </p><p>Background reading: </p><ul><li>The United States says it will share any vaccine breakthroughs with the world. So why did<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/15/world/europe/cornonavirus-vaccine-us-germany.html?smid=pc-thedaily" target="_blank"> President Trump reportedly try to purchase</a> a German biotech company that is trying to develop a shot for the coronavirus?</li><li>The latest updates from<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/world/coronavirus-news.html?smid=pc-thedaily" target="_blank"> top U.S. government scientists project</a> that the coronavirus could kill 100,000 to 240,000 Americans — even with strict social distancing.</li></ul>