Conversations with Young Scientist SDGs Award winners

"My research focuses on data- and intelligence-driven infectious disease epidemiology and public health. Before a major outbreak occurs, we all hope to capture potential signals as early as possible. What we do is very simple and unassuming: turn public health data into knowledge, turn knowledge into public health decisions, and turn decisions into proactive health actions."

Her journey spans from 2020, when she joined the national COVID-19 expert group of the National Health Commission to take part in epidemic assessment, to 2022, when she went to Hong Kong as a member of the central government's expert group supporting the city's anti-epidemic efforts; and from leading a national science and technology major project on the prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases as chief scientist, to publishing more than 200 SCI papers as corresponding author in top journals such as The Lancet and BMJ and being repeatedly listed among the world's top 2 percent scientists. She has written her papers into epidemic assessment reports — and into the real-world lines of defense.

"The advantage of young scientists is that we dare to think, dare to cross boundaries, and dare to pursue original innovation," Liu Jue said. Infectious diseases know no borders, and the next pandemic will not wait for humanity to be ready. "I hope public health is not just about responding after the fact, but that when the next pandemic comes, we can prevent and defuse major risks with greater composure and at a lower cost, contributing to global sustainable development."