On 14 October, Professor Herwig Leirs, Rector of the University of Antwerp (Belgium), visited the Institute of Zoology of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Professor Leirs arrived in Kazakhstan as part of the Belgian delegation accompanying the King of the Belgians during his visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Herwig Leirs is a zoologist and an expert in population ecology, applied zoology, and the epidemiology of zoonotic infections. He also serves as Chair of the Board of KMDA, the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp. A major part of his scientific career has been devoted to the study of rodents, their biology, and the role of rodent population dynamics in the transmission of dangerous infectious diseases to humans, including plague, hantavirus infections, Ebola virus disease, and Marburg virus disease. Since 2024, he has served as Rector of the University of Antwerp, one of Belgium’s leading universities.
During the visit, Professor Leirs met with the Institute of Zoology’s staff and learned about the Institute’s main areas of activity and research infrastructure. He was introduced to the work of the Institute’s laboratories and its scientific collections, and received an overview of ongoing research projects and opportunities for developing international scientific cooperation.
Particular attention was given to discussing prospects for collaboration between the University of Antwerp and the Institute of Zoology. The parties explored potential areas of joint research of mutual interest, as well as opportunities to establish long-term professional ties between the research teams of the two institutions.
Following preliminary discussions, the parties reached agreement on a draft Memorandum of Cooperation between the University of Antwerp and the Institute of Zoology. The document is expected to provide a foundation for further developing the partnership and defining specific forms of collaboration in research and scientific activities.
Professor Herwig Leirs’s visit marked an important step towards strengthening the Institute of Zoology’s international scientific ties and expanding opportunities for cooperation with European research institutions.
14.10..2024
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