Guan Yi

Professor Guan Yi serves as Director of the State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases at the University of Hong Kong, where he has established himself as a leading authority in virology and infectious disease control. After completing his veterinary medicine training in China and doctoral studies at the University of Hong Kong, he has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding the ecology, evolution, and pathogenesis of influenza and other emerging respiratory viruses. His research team's pivotal work during the 2003 SARS outbreak led to the identification of the SARS-Coronavirus and its origins in live animal markets, helping prevent a second outbreak in 2004. His expertise extends to avian influenza surveillance and control, establishing the first systematic influenza surveillance network in southern China, which has been crucial in tracking emerging viral threats. As a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Scientific American 50 Award and the Cheung Kong Achievement Award, he continues to lead critical research in emerging infectious diseases while maintaining active collaboration with international health organizations and serving as a key advisor to the Chinese government on disease control strategies