This program is tailored to train early-career researchers and students in respiratory allergic diseases especially chronic airway disease and airway epithelial barrier research. It aims to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills, preparing them for advanced academic or industry careers in biomedical science. The target group includes graduate students, research fellows, and postdoctoral researchers passionate about allergy, respiratory and translational medicine.

Weekly mentorship meetings with Prof. GAO and a multidisciplinary research team

Access to advanced laboratory facilities

Real-time involvement in clinical studies

Opportunities to publish articles or abstracts in peer-reviewed journals and present research posters or papers at conferences

Critical thinking, analytical, and practical inquiry skills utilizing the latest approaches in healthcare and medical research

Skills in critical appraisal, research design, and understanding of the entire medical research process

Understand the principles and applications

Develop proficiency in laboratory techniques

Gain experience in clinical study design and analysis

Cultivate skills in scientific writing and grant preparation

Airway epithelial barrier function, allergic immunotherapy with a focus on:

Airway epithelial barrier function and allergic asthma pathogenesis

Exploring biomarkers, efficacy for asthma immunotherapy

Graduate students：

Candidates must be enrolled in a Master’s, M.D. or Ph.D. program in allergy, immunology, or a related field. Familiarity with research methodologies and laboratory techniques is required.

Researcher fellows：

Applicants should have an advanced degree (M.Sc. M.D. Ph.D. or equivalent) in a biomedical discipline with some prior research experience. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to work independently and contribute to team projects. 

Doctors：

Candidates must hold an M.D. degree with clinical experience, preferably in allergy, internal medicine or other related specialty. Research experience is not mandatory but is a strong advantage.

Postdocs ：

Postdoctoral fellows should have a Ph.D. in biomedicine, immunology, or an M.D. with clinical training in medicine, or the equivalent of education, training and experience. 

Duration: 8 weeks

Daily Training Schedule (Example):

Monday:

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Lecture on Basics of Allergy and clinical immunology

Tuesday:

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Journal club: Discussing recent papers in allergy and immunology

Wednesday:

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Data analysis for clinical study results

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: One-on-one mentorship meetings

Program Training Schedule (Example):

1. Introduction & Welcome

Time Duration: (1 day)

Activities:

Workshop overview and objectives

Introduction of facilitators/tutors

2. Foundational Session

Time Duration: ( 1 week)

Topics:

Key concepts and theories related to the research focus

Literature review or background studies

Format: Lecture, interactive Q&A, or multimedia presentations

3. Practical/Hands-On Session

Time Duration: (3 weeks)

Activities:

Demonstrations of research tools or methods (e.g. lab equipment, software)

Practice exercises where participants replicate a research technique

Guided small-group activities for solving a case or analyzing data

4. Focused Research Topics

Time Duration: (3 weeks)

Topics:

Specialized areas of the research focus (e.g. recent trends, challenges, or advanced techniques)

Format: Interactive lectures, panel discussions, or guest speakers

5. Collaborative Session

Time Duration: (1 week)

Activities:

Group projects or brainstorming sessions

Problem-solving exercises or simulations

6. Wrap-Up & Reflection

Time Duration: (2 days)

Activities:

Participant presentations or discussion of key takeaways

Feedback session (e.g. online survey or live Q&A)

Assessment Methods:

Submission of a final research report summarizing lab work and findings

Practical assessments during wet lab sessions

Certificates provided upon successful completion of the program

Feedback for Participants:

Participants can submit anonymous feedback via an online form at the end of the program. One-on-one feedback sessions will also be scheduled midway through the program.

The program is free of charge.

Program Coordinator: Yang ZHENG

Email: yzh.med@zju.edu.cn

Phone: +86-571-87235399