Advancing the India–Italy Scientific Partnership for Genomic Research and Pandemic Preparedness, ICGEB New Delhi hosts Round Table discussion.
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) New Delhi recently hosted a Special Round Table titled “Investigating and Translating Genomic Evidence for Public Health Response to SARS-CoV-2”, bringing together leading researchers, science administrators, and institutional representatives from India and Italy.
The event underscored the crucial role of genomic evidence in strengthening public health preparedness and emphasised the importance of international scientific collaboration in developing coordinated, data-driven responses to future pandemics.
Key Participants and Institutional Collaboration
The Round Table was graced by distinguished participants, including Prof. Lawrence Banks, Director-General, ICGEB; Prof. Ramesh Sonti, Director, ICGEB New Delhi; and experts from the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome.
The presence of a representative from the Embassy of Italy in India further reinforced the strong commitment to advancing India–Italy cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
Insights and Presentations
The Round Table featured a series of insightful presentations:
Dr. Ramakrishna Sahoo (DST-India), Dr. Angela Di Martino and Dr. Patrizio Pezzotti (ISS-Rome), Dr. Sankar Bhattacharya (THSTI-Faridabad), and Dr. Megha Brijwal (AIIMS-New Delhi) shared perspectives and findings on virus surveillance, research outcomes, and administrative aspects of pandemic preparedness.
Dr. Ramesh Sonti provided an overview of ICGEB New Delhi’s ongoing research and initiatives.
Dr. Flavia Riccardo (ISS Rome) presented details of the collaborative India–Italy initiative focused on genomic surveillance and data sharing.
Strengthening Science Communication and Global Collaboration
During the discussions, Dr. Sergio Ledda, Scientific Attaché at the Embassy of Italy in New Delhi, highlighted the importance of effective science communication to empower citizens and counter misinformation—an essential component of any public health response.
Prof. Lawrence Banks emphasized the urgency of sustained international partnerships, noting that while future pandemics are inevitable, collaborative scientific efforts can significantly enhance global readiness and resilience.
Advancing Public Health Through Scientific Diplomacy
Through initiatives such as this Round Table, ICGEB continues to serve as a hub for scientific diplomacy, fostering international collaboration and cooperation in public health research. The Centre remains committed to advancing innovation, genomic research, and preparedness to address global health challenges.
