Professor Roberto BRUZZONE was born in Italy and studied medicine at University “La Sapienza” in Rome.  After work at the University of Geneva and Harvard Medical School, he joined Institut Pasteur in 1995.  Roberto is a cell biologist widely recognized for his work on direct cell-cell communication through connexins and their associated human diseases.  In October 2006, Roberto was appointed as Visiting Professor in the Li Ka Shi Faculty of Medicine and served as the CEO of the HKU-Pasteur Research Pole.  Since coming to Hong Kong he has held positions of scientific and administrative leadership in teaching programs and major international networks to combat infectious diseases.  He was decorated in 2012 as Knight of the National Order of Merit in France for his prominent contribution to the advancement of biomedical research in infectious diseases, and for his commitment to fostering the exchange and dialogue in research and teaching between France and Hong Kong.  He joined the School of Public Health in November 2012.