Emerging and re-emerging viral infectious diseases pose a serious threat to public health. To jointly address global challenges in viral infections and strengthen international cooperation, the “2025 International Society for Antiviral Research (ISAR)-Event in Shanghai”, hosted by the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), was held on June 7, 2025. The event was co-chaired by Prof. LIU Hong from SIMM and Prof. Luis M. Schang, President of ISAR. Ten distinguished experts in virology from China and abroad, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany were invited to share the recent advancements in basic research of virology and antiviral drug development.

Group Photo

The opening ceremony of this event was presided over by Prof. YE Yang, Deputy director of SIMM. Prof. LI Jia, Director of SIMM, delivered the welcome speech, extending the warmest welcome to the distinguished speakers and participants honored by their presence at this academic event.

Prof. YE Yang, Party Secretary of SIMM, Chaired the Opening Ceremony

Prof. LI Jia, Director of SIMM, Delivered the Welcome Speech

Following the opening ceremony, ten academic presentations were delivered by Prof. Geoffrey L. Smith (Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, CAS, and University of Oxford), Prof. Katherine Seley-Radtke (University of Maryland), Prof. JIANG Shibo (Fudan University), Prof. Chris Meier (University of Hamburg), Prof. GAO Zhaobing (SIMM, CAS), Prof. XU Yechun (SIMM, CAS), Prof. ZHANG Leike (Wuhan Institute of Virology, CAS), Prof. ZHAN Peng (Shandong University), Prof. BAI Fang (ShanghaiTech University), and Dr. XIE Xiong (SIMM, CAS). 

Topics covered include novel antiviral targets and mechanisms, cutting-edge technologies empowering antiviral drug discovery such as artificial intelligence and targeted protein degradation, as well as the discovery and drug-like optimization of antiviral lead compounds spanning peptides, peptidomimetics, nucleos(t)ides, and small-molecule heterocyclic compounds. The insightful presentations spark enthusiastic discussions and vibrant intellectual exchanges, creating a lively and academic atmosphere. The event was also broadcast live online, attracting over 6,000 participants on-site and online, garnering widespread acclaim from participants.

Academic Presentations by Invited Speakers

Academic Discussion and Exchange

The closing ceremony was presided over by Prof. LIU Hong from SIMM, co-chair of the event, who delivered the closing speech expressing sincere gratitude to all the distinguished guests attending on-site and online. The successful hosting of this event not only fostered academic exchange among scientists globally and strengthened international collaboration, but also further showcased the significant achievements and breakthroughs scientists are making in the treatment and prevention of emerging and re-emerging viral infectious diseases. 

Prof. LIU Hong from SIMM, Co-chair of the Event, Chaired the Closing Ceremony and Delivered the Closing Speech