This program is designed to train early-career researchers and clinicians in multi-omics translational research for solid tumors, with a focus on cutting-edge techniques such as single-cell sequencing, spatial proteomics, spatial transcriptomics, and cell therapies like CAR-T. It aims to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to integrate these advanced technologies for deeper insights into tumor biology, heterogeneity, therapeutic response, and the identification of biomarkers. The program also explores how these innovative approaches can enhance the efficacy of immunotherapies, including CAR-T cell treatments, and improve the understanding of treatment mechanisms and patient outcomes. Targeting graduate students, research fellows, and postdoctoral researchers passionate about oncology, molecular biology, and translational medicine, the program prepares them for careers in academic research, biotechnology, and clinical applications.

· Weekly Mentorship Meetings with Leading Experts: Regular one-on-one sessions with Prof. Fang and a multidisciplinary research team provide personalized guidance, fostering intellectual growth and deepening understanding of cutting-edge cancer research techniques.

· Access to Advanced Research Facilities: Participants will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art laboratory platforms, including single-cell sequencing, spatial proteomics, spatial transcriptomics, flow cytometry, and CRISPR-based gene editing technologies.

· Real-time Involvement in Clinical Trials: Participants will have opportunities to engage directly in ongoing clinical trials and translational research projects, contributing to the development of innovative treatments, including CAR-T cell therapy and cancer immunotherapy.

· Opportunities for Publications and Presentations: The program supports participants in publishing research articles or abstracts in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, and offers the chance to present their findings at leading international conferences.

· Development of Critical Research Skills: Participants will hone essential skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and experimental design, applying the latest approaches in multi-omics research and cancer immunotherapy to solve real-world medical challenges.

· Comprehensive Understanding of Translational Research: The program emphasizes a deep understanding of the entire medical research process, from basic science to clinical application, with a particular focus on the translation of novel immunotherapies, including CAR-T and immune checkpoint inhibitors, into clinical practice.

· Cutting-edge Cancer Immunotherapy and Multi-Omics Integration: The unique focus on multi-omics technologies, including single-cell and spatial omics approaches, allows participants to explore the tumor microenvironment and immune cell interactions in greater detail, paving the way for more personalized and effective cancer treatments.

The program aims to provide a deep understanding of cancer immunotherapy principles and their clinical applications. Participants will develop proficiency in advanced laboratory techniques, including single-cell sequencing and multomics technologies. The training will offer hands-on experience in clinical trial design, implementation, and data analysis. Additionally, the program will enhance skills in scientific writing and grant preparation, preparing trainees for successful research careers.

8 weeks

Cancer immunotherapy with a focus on:

· Engineering CAR-T cells to overcome tumor resistance

· Exploring biomarkers for immunotherapy efficacy

· Integrated multi-omics analysis in solid cancer

· Investigating the tumor microenvironment in solid tumors

Projects: 

1. Optimizing CAR-T Cell Therapies for Colorectal Cancer – exploring biomarkers to enhance CAR-T persistence

2. Biomarker Discovery for PD-1 Blockade in Colorectal Cancer – utilizing single-cell RNA-sequencing for prognosis stratification

3. Microbiome-Tumor Interaction in Colorectal Cancer underwent CART therapy – identifying bacterial profiles affecting CART responses

Undergraduate students：

Candidates should be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in biology, biochemistry, or a related field. Prior coursework in molecular biology or immunology is preferred. Basic proficiency in English is required.

Graduate students：

Candidat d es must be enrolled in a Master’s, M.D. or Ph.D. program in biomedicine, immunology, or a related field. Familiarity with research methodologies and laboratory techniques is required. Fluency in English is mandatory.

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. Proficiency in English is essential.

Doctors：

Candidates must hold an M.D. degree with clinical experience, preferably in oncology or internal medicine. Research experience is not mandatory but is a strong advantage. Applicants must be fluent in English.

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. Candidates should be fluent in English.

Program Training Schedule: Multi-Omics Exploration of CAR-T Immunotherapy and Biomarker Discovery

Target Audience: Graduate students, research fellows, postdoctoral researchers in oncology, molecular biology, and translational medicine.

Week 1: Introduction & Overview

Time Duration: 1 day

Activities:

Workshop Overview and Objectives: Introduction to the course, goals, and expected outcomes.

Facilitator and Participant Introductions: Meet the course instructors, researchers, and fellow participants.

Program Orientation: Overview of the schedule, resources, and facilities.

Topics:

Introduction to multi-omics research in oncology.

Overview of CAR-T cell therapy and its relevance in solid tumors.

Week 2: Foundational Session – Tumor Immunology & CAR-T Basics

Time Duration: 1 week

Activities:

Lecture Series:

Basics of Tumor Immunology

Mechanisms of Immunotherapy and CAR-T Cells

Immuno-oncology and Biomarker Discovery

Interactive Q&A and Discussion: Participants discuss foundational concepts and their applications in cancer research.

Topics:

Tumor microenvironment, immune evasion, and CAR-T cell mechanisms.

Introduction to biomarkers used for predicting treatment efficacy.

CAR-T development and challenges in solid tumors.

Week 3: Immune Therapy Mechanisms and CAR-T in Solid Tumors

Time Duration: 1 week

Activities:

Lecture Series on Immune Therapy:

Tumor-specific immunity and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

CAR-T application in solid tumors vs. hematologic malignancies.

Workshop on CAR-T Cell Manufacturing

Step-by-step demonstration of CAR-T production in the lab.

Techniques for enhancing CAR-T cell persistence and functionality in solid tumors.

Topics:

Challenges and strategies for CAR-T therapy in solid tumors.

Overview of immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination therapies with CAR-T.

Week 4: Multi-Omics Approaches and Biomarker Discovery

Time Duration: 1 week

Activities:

Lecture on Multi-Omics Techniques:

Introduction to genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and spatial omics.

How multi-omics can uncover novel biomarkers for predicting CAR-T efficacy.

Hands-on Workshop:

Using single-cell RNA sequencing to identify immune cell subsets in the tumor microenvironment.

Spatial proteomics techniques for mapping immune cells in tissue samples.

Topics:

Integrating multi-omics data to uncover biomarkers.

Single-cell analysis for immunotherapy research.

Application of spatial proteomics in CAR-T efficacy studies.

Week 5: Translational Research Techniques

Time Duration: 1 week

Activities:

Workshop on Translational Research Design:

Experimental design for preclinical and clinical studies in immunotherapy.

Understanding the regulatory framework and clinical trial design for CAR-T.

Data Analysis for Translational Studies:

Identifying key clinical endpoints for CAR-T trials.

Statistical tools for biomarker validation in clinical settings.

Topics:

Challenges in translating preclinical CAR-T data to clinical practice.

Key considerations in designing CAR-T clinical trials.

Statistical analysis of biomarker data in immunotherapy.

Week 6: Practical/Hands-On Session – Immunotherapy and CAR-T in the Lab

Time Duration: 1 week

Activities:

CAR-T Cell Culture and Expansion:

Hands-on experience in CAR-T cell isolation and expansion techniques.

Immune Monitoring Assays:

Flow cytometry for assessing immune cell populations.

Cytotoxicity assays to evaluate CAR-T cell function against solid tumor cells.

Topics:

CAR-T production protocols for solid tumors.

Assessing immune responses to CAR-T cells in vitro.

Week 7: Focused Research Topics – Enhancing CAR-T Efficacy

Time Duration: 1 week

Activities:

Guest Lectures and Panel Discussions:

Advances in enhancing CAR-T cell function and overcoming resistance in solid tumors.

Targeting the tumor microenvironment to improve CAR-T efficacy.

Journal Club:

Discussing the latest research on CAR-T therapy, immune evasion, and combinatorial treatments.

Topics:

Overcoming CAR-T resistance in solid tumors.

Recent advances in engineering CAR-T cells for enhanced targeting.

Combination therapies: CAR-T + checkpoint inhibitors, radiation, etc.

Week 8: Collaborative Session – Translating Findings into Clinical Applications

Time Duration: 1 week

Activities:

Collaborative Group Project:

Design a translational research proposal using multi-omics and CAR-T therapy.

Focus on identifying biomarkers and improving CAR-T efficacy.

Participant Presentations:

Present the research design and data analysis to a panel of experts.

Feedback and critique from facilitators and peers.

Topics:

Translating experimental findings to clinical trials.

Collaboration between academic researchers, clinicians, and biotechnology companies in CAR-T development.

Wrap-Up & Reflection

Time Duration: 2 days

Activities:

Participant Presentations or Discussion:

Final presentations of research findings and key takeaways from the program.

Feedback Session:

Collect feedback on the course format and content.

Discussion on future opportunities and career paths in CAR-T and translational research.

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

The program is free of charge.