On April 3, 2025, Dr. Jiagang Guo, former Technical Officer of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Researcher at the National Center for Tropical Disease Research, visited the School of Public Health for an academic exchange. The session was chaired by Dalei Zhang, Associate Dean of the School, and attended by Associate Dean Lei Wu, faculty representatives from various departments, and graduate student representatives.

At the opening of the event, Associate Dean Zhang extended a warm welcome to Dr. Guo and provided a brief introduction to the School. Dr. Guo then delivered a lecture titled "Project Planning and Management", in which he share insights from his extensive professional experience. He described his transition from clinical medicine to preventive medicine, using his work in schistosomiasis control as a key example. Drawing on his leadership in the World Bank-funded Schistosomiasis Control Project in China, he illustrated how academic research can be effectively translated into practical disease control strategies.

Reflecting on his international training experiences, Dr. Guo encouraged young scholars to align their research with national strategic priorities, move beyond conventional research approaches, and pursue innovative studies that address emerging public health challenges. He emphasized the importance of developing new skills, seizing opportunities, and integrating personal academic growth with national development, while also contributing Chinese expertise to the global health community.

During the Q&A session, Dr. Guo engaged in an in-depth discussion with Prof. Xian Hao on schistosomiasis detection methods and addressed questions from faculty and students. He encourged students to actively participate in scientific research, cultivate critical thinking, and integrate theory with practice to foster innovation.

This academic exchange helped faculty and students gain a deeper understanding of the connection between scientific research and project management, providing valuable insights for future research and broadening their academic perspectives.