The Institute of Microbiology and the Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases (CEID), School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong signed a memorandum of understanding on April 18, 2008 in Hong Kong to launch collaborative research programs relating to the prevention, treatment and control of infectious diseases. The two institutions will initiate academic exchange visits, joint education and training programs as well as research platform and projects in the next five years.
Professors George Fu Gao, Wenjun Liu, Bin Gao and 3 other staff members of IMCAS attended the signing ceremony.  They were also invited to participate the 5th Annual Scientific Symposium of Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases held from April 18 to 19 at CEID. During the meeting, Professor Gao presented a report titled “H5N1 avian influenza and migratory birds: three-year follow-up in Qinghai lake”, which attracted great interest of the participants and triggered a lively discussion.