On November 6 and 7, Professor Rosario Rizzuto, President of the National Center for Gene Therapy and Drugs based on RNA Technology, in Italy, visited ShanghaiTech. Professor Rizzuto served as the Rector of the University of Padua from 2015 to 2021, and currently leads its Department of Biomedical Sciences.

The comprehensive two-day program was designed to provide Professor Rizzuto with an in-depth overview of ShanghaiTech’s recent advancements within the biomedical field. His itinerary included School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Advanced Immunochemical Studies, iHuman Institute, School of Biomedical Engineering, and Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center.

In addition to his visit, Professor Rizzuto delivered an academic lecture titled “RNA Therapies for Modulating Mitochondrial Function and Inflammation” to faculty and students. His presentation sparked a lively exchange of questions and discussions, reflecting the audience’s keen interest in the topic. Furthermore, ShanghaiTech’s PIs in the field of gene therapy and related areas introduced their research achievements and translational progress to Professor Rizzuto, followed by discussions on future collaboration opportunities.

During the visit, Professor Rizzuto met with President Feng Donglai and Vice President Jiang Ge, and he introduced the National Center and the University of Padua. President Feng expressed an keen interest in exploring new areas of cooperation to promote the development of biomedical research and exchanges of faculty and students. These efforts aim to foster the development of the Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center and Medical School. Professor Rizzuto,impressed by ShanghaiTech’s accomplishments, expressed his commitment to advancing further exchanges and cooperation among the National Center, the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Padua, and ShanghaiTech.

To better understand the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem of ShanghaiTech and the neighboring community, Professor Rizzuto also visited CorrectSequence Therapeutics, Zhangjiang Cell Industrial Park, CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, ATLATL Innovation Center, Innostella Biotherapeutics, Codone Biotechnology and United Imaging Healthcare.

The National Center for Gene Therapy and Drugs based on RNA Technology, in Italy, is a national project funded by the European Union and led by the University of Padua. It brings together 46 domestic and international partners, including universities, public institutions, and enterprises. The center aims to bring transformations in healthcare through research in RNA technology and gene therapy.

The University of Padua is the second oldest university in Italy. As a comprehensive university, it has made significant achievements in fields such as medicine, life sciences, astronomy, law, and philosophy, and is an important partner of ShanghaiTech.