Renowned Professor Zihe Rao returns to SVI for milestone seminar on Hepatitis B

SVI was honoured to welcome back esteemed alumnus Professor Zihe Rao for a special seminar last week. A pioneer in structural biology and a global leader in virology research, Professor Rao returned to the institute where he earned his PhD four decades ago, now as a world-renowned scientist.

Currently a professor at Tsinghua University and director of its Laboratory for Structural Biology, Professor Rao has made significant contributions to the understanding of viral pathogens, including SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. His work has been instrumental in determining the molecular structures of various viruses and aiding in the development of targeted therapies.

Professor Rao holds many positions of influence in scientific organisations across the globe. He is a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), the Presidium of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Honorary President of Biophysics Society of China and Founding President of China Union of Life Science Societies.

In the seminar, Professor Rao presented his latest research on the structural dynamics of Hepatitis B subviral particles. Using advanced microscopy, his team has achieved near-atomic resolution images of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) particles, revealing their inherent symmetry and flexibility. These insights are crucial for understanding HBV assembly and for the development of more effective vaccines and treatments.

After the seminar, Professor Rao reunited with former SVI Director Professor Jack Martin, a pioneer in bone cell biology, whose work led to the development of a drug therapy now used worldwide to treat osteoporosis, cancer and other diseases. Rao also spent time with current SVI Director and Head of Immunology Professor Tom Kay. Kay’s research continues to uncover the immunopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes and aid in groundbreaking new treatments.

This event marked a significant moment for SVI, celebrating the achievements of its alumni and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in medical research. Pursuing a PhD at SVI equips students with cutting-edge scientific training and mentorship, laying a strong foundation for impactful careers that advance biomedical knowledge and improve public health outcomes globally.