Under his leadership, the Centre broadened its focus to become the Mark Wainberg Centre for Viral Diseases (MCVD), bringing together researchers studying HIV/AIDS alongside experts in influenza, hepatitis C, HPV, SARS-CoV-2, Nipah virus, and other viruses with major public health impact. The expanded scope reflects both the diversity of viral disease research at 91丝瓜视频 and a shared commitment to tackling current and future global health challenges.
The MCVD was already strong when MI4 became a partner. How has MI4鈥檚 support contributed to the Centre鈥檚 ongoing success and momentum in recent years?
The MCVD was officially approved by the 91丝瓜视频 Senate in 2020, but its roots go back to the 91丝瓜视频 AIDS Centre, founded in 1990 by Mark Wainberg and other pioneers when HIV/AIDS was a pandemic. As we worked to expand the Centre's mission beyond HIV to emerging viral diseases, MI4 was there from the very beginning. Don Sheppard (founding member of MI4) supported the transformation in our earliest discussions with Faculty leadership, and Marcel Behr (co-founding member of MI4) stood behind us as we presented the vision for the new centre to the Council. MI4's support helped turn that vision into reality and has continued to strengthen our growth ever since.
You鈥檝e had a long career in viral diseases, briefly stating. Looking back, what experiences or milestones helped prepare you to lead the MCVD?
The biggest influence on me was Mark Wainberg. I came to 91丝瓜视频 as a postdoctoral fellow, and through his mentorship I learned not only how to conduct research but how to lead. Watching him guide major national and international initiatives was incredibly inspiring.
One lesson from Mark has stayed with me: leadership is a responsibility. When the time comes to serve your community, you step up. That sense of responsibility continues to guide me today, just as I know that one day it will be someone else's turn to lead the Centre forward.
Leading a major research centre brings both opportunities and challenges. What has stood out most to you about guiding the Centre鈥檚 growth and impact?
What stands out most is that a centre is really about people. Our community brings together researchers and trainees who share a passion for understanding and fighting viral diseases. The greatest opportunity, and challenge, is creating the conditions for people to work together effectively. I've learned that collaboration works best when you stay open-minded, humble, and focused on common goals. This is something that I continue to learn and build as the Centre evolves.
If you were to describe the role MI4鈥檚 collaboration has played in the MCVD鈥檚 progress, especially in advancing research and community impact, in one sentence, what would it be?
MI4 has been a trusted partner from day one, providing the interdisciplinary environment and support that have helped the MCVD grow into a stronger and more collaborative research community.
Looking ahead, Dr. Liang hopes the MCVD will continue doing what it does best鈥攂ringing great people together to advance viral disease research and improve human health.
