PRA Holds Successful 1st Scientific Symposium

The Pandemic Research Alliance (PRA) achieved a significant milestone in its mission to advance pandemic research by successfully organizing its 1st Scientific Symposium. Co-organized by the Centre for Virology Vaccinology and Therapeutics, the Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, HKU, and the AIDS Institute, LKS Faculty of Medicine, HKU, the symposium was held on 4 December, 2023 at the University of Hong Kong. The symposium brought together the six esteemed founder members of the PRA. Each member, including renowned scientists Prof. David Ho, Prof. Nanshan Zhong, Prof. Linqi Zhang, Prof. Linfa Wang, Prof. Sharon Lewin, and Prof. Kwok-Yung Yuen, presented their groundbreaking findings on pandemic virus research.

The symposium provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge and insights among leading experts in the field. The presentations covered a wide range of topics, showcasing the diverse expertise of the PRA's founder members and their significant contributions to pandemic research.

The list of presentation titles and respective presenters included:

1. "From HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 to Pandemic Preparedness" - Presented by Prof. David Ho

2. "Vaccine and Drug Development against COVID-19 in China" - Presented by Prof. Nanshan Zhong

3. "Human Antibody Response to SARS-CoV-1/SARS-CoV-2" - Presented by Prof. Linqi Zhang

4. "Role of Serology in Pandemic Investigation and Response" - Presented by Prof. Linfa Wang

5. "Novel Platforms to Develop Direct Acting Antivirals for Pathogens of Pandemic Potential at Speed: The Role of CRISPR-Cas13 Therapeutics" - Presented by Prof. Sharon Lewin

6. "Preparation for the Next Pandemic: Lessons Since 1997" - Presented by Prof. Kwok-Yung Yuen

The presentations delved into various aspects of pandemic research, including the history and lessons learned from previous pandemics, the development of vaccines and drugs against COVID-19, the human immune response to viral infections, the role of serology in outbreak investigations, and the use of novel technologies for antiviral therapeutics.