The CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence for Emerging Infectious Disease (CEEID) welcomed Dr. Verena Zerbato on May 13, 2026, Infectious Disease Specialist from the Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI) in Trieste, Italy, along with her research team, for an academic exchange and joint discussion on future collaboration.     Professor George F. Gao, Director of CEEID, extended a warm welcome to the Italian delegation during his opening remarks. He expressed sincere gratitude to Professor Marcelo Knobel, Executive Director of TWAS, for his continued support in fostering South-South and global scientific partnerships, and to the Bureau of International Cooperation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences for its strategic guidance in advancing CEEID’s international engagement.

    The visit marks a significant follow-up to the CEEID delegation’s strategic meetings in Trieste in November 2025, during which CEEID representatives engaged with Italian counterparts, including Professor Stefano Di Bella, to explore joint projects in antimicrobial resistance，pathogen surveillance, diagnostics, and therapeutic development. Dr. Zerbato’s visit to Beijing translates those earlier dialogues into concrete action.

    During the morning session held at the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IMCAS), Dr. Zerbato delivered a keynote speech on her team’s recent work in infectious disease research and clinical practice. She also participated in in-depth discussions with CEEID scientists on potential joint research initiatives, co-supervision of postgraduate students, and exchange programs for young researchers.

    CEEID Deputy Director Professor JunHao Zhu introduced the Centre’s strategic framework, research priorities, and capacity-building programs for the Global South. Professor ChongYe Guo from the World Data Center for Microorganisms also presented the center’s role in microbial data sharing and bioinformatics infrastructure.

    Following the formal presentations, the delegation toured the state-of-the-art laboratories at IMCAS, including those of the CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence for Emerging Infectious Disease, gaining first-hand insight into ongoing research on high-impact pathogens and vaccine development.

    Both sides agreed to maintain close communication and explore a formal memorandum of understanding to facilitate long-term academic exchange, joint training of PhD students, and collaborative research projects focused on emerging infectious disease threats.