On March 31, 2026, a meeting was held at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Rome Tor Vergata between representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Italy and a delegation of researchers from the university. The Chinese delegation was led by Dr. LU Ping, personal advisor to the Ambassador of China for Research and Technological Development, along with three of his collaborators.
For the University of Rome Tor Vergata, those present included the Vice Rector, Prof. Carlo Nucci; Prof. Alessandro Mauriello, Director of the Department of Experimental Medicine; the Deputy Director, Prof. Eleonora Candi; Prof. Giuseppe Sica; and Prof. Gennaro Melino, organizer of the meeting. Representing the HEAL Italia Foundation was its Vice President, Prof. Mauro Piacentini.
The meeting was preceded by a visit to the Department’s core facilities, with particular focus on the important equipment acquired through the PNRR PE6 program of the Ministry of University and Research, managed by the HEAL Italia Foundation, of which the University of Rome Tor Vergata is one of the founding members. The meeting then continued with an analysis of both past and ongoing joint projects, highlighting the significant collaboration that has existed for over 15 years among the institutions involved.
Prof. Mauro Piacentini presented the structure and objectives that characterize the activities of the HEAL Italia Foundation, including the collaboration with Prof. Yufang Shi and the organization of the Italy–China bilateral conference on precision medicine, which will take place from April 23 to 24 in Suzhou, China.
The Chinese delegation presented all existing collaboration programs with Italy and expressed satisfaction with the high scientific level of both past and present relationships between the host university and various Chinese institutions.
In conclusion, this meeting confirmed a strong willingness to continue and further develop the important relations with China, both in the scientific and educational fields. The participants parted with a shared commitment to further strengthen the significant ongoing activities in the future.