Overview On October 28, 2025 , the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) , New Delhi, hosted a special round table titled “Investigating and translating Genomic Evidence for Public Health Response to SARS-Cov-2”. The event brought together leading researchers, science administrators, and institutional representatives from India and Italy to discuss the role of genomic evidence in strengthening global public health preparedness. Key Developments Focus: The meeting underscored the importance of pan-global scientific collaborations in developing coordinated and data-driven responses to emerging infectious diseases. Participants: Included representatives from the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India; All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi; Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) Faridabad; and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome. India-Italy Cooperation: The presence of personnel from the Embassy of Italy in India reinforced the commitment to strengthening India–Italy cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. Scientific Communication: Dr. Sergio Ledda emphasized the importance of effectively communicating scientific knowledge to the general public to combat misinformation. Future Preparedness: Dr. Lawrence Banks cautioned that future pandemics are inevitable, highlighting the crucial role of scientific cooperation between India and Italy. Key Discussion Points Importance of genomic surveillance in identifying and tracking emerging infectious diseases. Need for coordinated, data-driven responses to pandemics. Role of international partnerships in addressing global health challenges. Strategies for translating scientific research into effective public health interventions. Importance of clear and accurate communication of scientific information to the public. UPSC Relevance This event is relevant to GS3 (Science and Technology) and GS2 (International Relations, Health) . It highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing global health challenges and the role of scientific research in pandemic preparedness. The discussion on scientific communication is also relevant to understanding how governments can build public trust and combat misinformation during crises. Potential UPSC Questions Discuss the significance of international collaborations in addressing global health crises, with specific reference to the India-Italy partnership. Analyze the role of genomic surveillance in pandemic preparedness and response. Evaluate the importance of scientific communication in building public trust and combating misinformation during health crises. Important Facts ICGEB: Serves as a hub for scientific diplomacy and global collaboration. SARS-CoV-2: The focus of the round table discussions. India-Italy: Strong scientific cooperation highlighted as crucial for pandemic preparedness.