On Oct. 14, the first session of “Cloud Lecture Series” jointly sponsored by WCH and Arizona State University (ASU) was officially launched, with the theme of “Molecular Mechanism of Viral Disease”. Professor Cheng Nansheng, vice president of WCH, Professor Liu Jie, director of the Infection and Vaccine Research Office of WCH (and also academic director of Biodesign Institute of Sichuan University jointly built by WCH and ASU), Professor Tang Hong, director of the Infectious Disease Center, and representatives of the International Office, Professor Joshua LaBaer, executive director of ASU’s Biodesign Institute, Professor Stephen Munk, vice director of ASU’s Biodesign Institute, and Professor Bertram Jacobs gathered online.

Vice President Cheng Nansheng noted that, after formal signing of the cooperation agreement in 2019, the two sides jointly established the Biodesign Institute of Sichuan University, focusing on multidisciplinary research and human health issues. Under the severe situation of COVID-19 pandemic, the two sides still carried out online exchange activities, which will deepen thecooperation in various fields, he added.

Professor Josh LaBaer pointed out that, despite of the COVID-19 suspending the exchange visits and onsite scientific research cooperation, the “Cloud Lecture Series could effectively maintain the cooperative relationship between the two sides, promote relevant cooperation and create new opportunities.

Afterwards, Director Tang Hong and Professor Bertram Jacobs gave theme reports titled “Fighting against viral hepatitis: Basic and clinical research experiences” and “A heat-stable, easily administered vaccine candidate for SARS-CoV-2”, respectively. During the Q&A session, the two sides actively discussed and shared their concerns on relevant topics, and found common concerns of scientific research and cooperation.

“Cloud Lecture Series” aims to deepen the exchange and cooperation between both parties in a sustainable manner, and schedule to hold academic exchange activities on six topics including: precision medicine, microbiome, mass spec detection of metabolites, spectroscopic technology, organ regeneration, and viral immunity.