Director of George F. Gao of the CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence for Emerging Infectious Disease (CEEID) on 29 July 2026, conducted an academic exchange visit to Samarkand State University in Uzbekistan.During the event, Academician Gao presented a keynote speech entitled “Epidemic control in the AI era”. In his talk, he explored innovative approaches to epidemic prevention and control empowered by artificial intelligence, shared cutting-edge research progress in infectious disease surveillance, pathogen research and vaccine development, and discussed global challenges facing public health.

    The academic session was chaired by Professor Nosirov Mukhtar Gafforrovich from Samarkand State University. Vice Rector Akhatov Akmal Rustamovich delivered opening remarks on behalf of the university. He highlighted the university’s willingness to strengthen long-term academic ties and joint research cooperation with CEEID in infectious diseases, biotechnology and related fields.

    Participants included Zhejiang university vice rector Xiaoming Li, young researchers and postgraduate students. Attendees engaged in in-depth question-and-answer discussions with Academician Gao. This exchange further consolidates scientific links between China and Uzbekistan, laying a solid foundation for future joint research, talent training and academic collaboration on emerging infectious diseases.