We are pleased to announce that a memorandum of understanding for collaborative research on influenza viruses has been signed between HKU-Pasteur Research Pole and Institut Pasteur Korea during the visit of Marc Windish, Group Leader at Institut Pasteur Korea, in Hong Kong.
After the signing ceremony Roberto Bruzzone, Co-Director, HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, said:
“I am delighted to see this signing materialize the close relationship that HKU-Pasteur Research Pole and Institut Pasteur Korea have developed over the years. I am persuaded that our synergies in studying influenza and respiratory viruses from animal surveillance to drug discovery will enhance the impact of our work and our mission to mitigate the threat of these and other emerging viruses.“
Wang-Shick Ryu, CEO of Institut Pasteur Korea further commented :
"I am confident that the close tie with HKU-PRP will offer us opportunities to engage in international scientific activities such as oversea grant application, scientific symposium as well as collaboration. In particular, the international leadership of HKU-PRP will position our influenza research to be more internationally recognizable and competitive."
Every year, influenza – or flu – is responsible for three to five million severe cases and 250,000 to 500,000 deaths worldwide. Moreover, influenza virus causes substantial social and economic losses not only by affecting job performance in healthy adults but also by increasing morbidity and mortality in high-risk groups.
This partnership will bring together two major laboratories members of the Institut Pasteur International Network with complementary expertises spanning surveillance, diagnostic, pathogenesis and drug discovery.
