Using interdisciplinary methods, including virology, immunology and structural biology, Gao has made remarkable contributions to the study of pathogen infection (Host-pathogen interactions) and interspecies transmission (“Host jump”) mechanism, in particular, of the influenza virus and coronavirus. His work revealed the origin and interspecies transmission mechanism of important pathogens including avian influenza virus, MERS-CoV and Ebola virus, his recent contribution to Zika virus research is remarkable, inc. revealing of the Zika-induced testis damage in mice model. He is a leading figure for the control of infectious diseases in China and a world advocate voice of global public health strategy. His heroic work in leading China Mobile Laboratory Testing Team to fight against Ebola in Sierra Leone in 2014 was highly appreciated worldwide. He has been coordinating the collaborative work between China and the rest of the world and the international organizations (including WHO) for field work on Ebola and other infectious diseases in West Africa. As DG of China CDC, Gao is a key figure for establishing African CDC (ACDC) and China’s contribution in African disease control and prevention.