The CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence for Emerging Infectious Disease (CEEID) has successfully concluded a series of strategic meetings in Trieste, Italy, from November 23-26, 2025, marking a significant step forward in strengthening international scientific cooperation for pandemic preparedness. As part of a broader delegation of CAS-TWAS Centers of Excellence, CEEID representatives focused on building tangible partnerships with leading European institutions in infectious disease research.

    The visit culminated in a high-profile session at the University of Trieste on November 25th. CEEID scientists engaged directly with key faculty from the University's Department of Medical Sciences and other research units. Discussions centered on aligning research priorities, particularly in pathogen surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and therapeutic development. The dialogue identified immediate opportunities for joint projects and researcher exchanges, establishing a direct channel between CEEID's frontline work in Beijing and complementary expertise in Trieste.

    Earlier, during the dedicated session at the TWAS Secretariat on November 24th, CEEID leadership presented its integrated strategy for combating emerging infectious threats through a "One Health" approach. The presentation highlighted CEEID's unique position as a hub for collaborative research and capacity building in the Global South. This sparked focused conversations with TWAS leadership and representatives from other scientific bodies on creating a streamlined framework for sharing epidemiological data, laboratory resources, and training modules among partner institutions in developing countries.

    "Crises like pandemics demand a borderless scientific response, "Prof. Likui Wang, CEEID representative during the visit. Our meetings here in Trieste have been exceptionally productive. We have moved beyond general dialogue to define specific, actionable pathways for collaboration with both TWAS and the University of Trieste. Our goal is to co-develop tools and knowledge that are accessible and deployable where they are needed most.

    The outcomes of this visit include a commitment to draft a memorandum of understanding with relevant departments at the University of Trieste and to actively participate in a new TWAS-led initiative for a joint training program on advanced diagnostic techniques for low-resource settings.