The Vice Director of the Bureau of International Cooperation, Chinese Academy of Sciences Cao Dianwen visited Wuhan Institute of Virology on December 2nd morning and a symposium has been held.

Cao firstly visited Wuhan National Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) Laboratory. In the laboratory, he asked the details of the laboratory’s functional layout, construction process, commissioning and operation situations, biosafety management and so on. He also communicated with the working team which is responsible for the laboratory’s operation and maintenance. A symposium was held later. In the symposium, Wang Yanyi, the Vice Director of Wuhan Institute of Virology reported the general situation of the institute, focusing on the Institute’s key programs such as “One-Three-Five Plan” (one research and development orientation, three breakthroughs and five cultivating areas) and the technical innovations. Song Donglin, the Vice Director of Wuhan National Biosafety Level 4 Laboratory, introduced the current development of the accreditation of the laboratory, the Sino-France cooperation background and summarized the achievements that have already been made through the Sino-France cooperation in areas such as science and technology, the construction of biosafety system and personnel training.

Cao highly praised the work done by Wuhan Institute of Virology. He introduced the plans and measures that the Bureau of International Cooperation made for improving the cooperation with Europe, Africa and etc. At last he wished Wuhan Institute of Virology, constructed on the basis of this laboratory, will be working according to the national strategic demands and playing a positive role in areas such as prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases and dealing with international public health emergencies.