OCT 28: The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, hosted an International Round Table on “Investigating and Translating Genomic Evidence for Public Health Response to SARS-CoV-2”, bringing together leading scientists, research administrators, and institutional representatives from India and Italy. The discussions centered on strengthening global genomic collaborations and enhancing preparedness for future pandemics.
Participants highlighted that lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the urgent need for coordinated, data-driven approaches to infectious disease management. The deliberations emphasized the significance of genomic surveillance, research translation, and health system readiness to ensure timely public health responses.
The event saw participation from Prof. Lawrence Banks, Director-General of ICGEB; Prof. Ramesh Sonti, Director of ICGEB New Delhi; experts from the Department of Science & Technology (DST), AIIMS New Delhi, THSTI Faridabad, and Italy’s Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS). Representatives from the Embassy of Italy also attended, reflecting the commitment to India–Italy cooperation in science and innovation.
Dr. Sergio Ledda, Scientific Attaché at the Embassy of Italy, stressed the importance of communicating scientific evidence to the public to counter misinformation and promote trust in science. Prof. Lawrence Banks highlighted that scientific collaboration between nations is vital for pandemic preparedness, noting that while future pandemics are inevitable, global readiness can mitigate their impact.
The Round Table reaffirmed the shared vision of building sustained international partnerships to strengthen global health resilience. Through such initiatives, ICGEB continues to serve as a hub for scientific diplomacy, fostering collaboration and innovation in genomic research and public health.
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