This research program is designed to advance the understanding and treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), a group of blood disorders characterized by the disruption of normal blood cell production. The program is tailored to address the critical need for innovative mechanism and therapies in this field. It aims to train early-career researchers and students in state-of-the-art research methodologies for MDS. It seeks to enhance the understanding of the disease’s pathophysiology and develop novel therapeutic strategies. The target group for this program includes graduate students, research fellows, and postdoctoral researchers who are dedicated to improving the lives of patients with MDS. These individuals should have a strong interest in hematology, oncology, and translational medicine.

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

Access to advanced laboratory facilities, including imaging, flow cytometry, gene-editing and animal platforms

Real-time involvement in clinical trials and translational research projects

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 of molecular biology and cancer immunotherapy

Develop proficiency in cutting-edge laboratory techniques, such as single-cell sequencing and spatial omics

Gain experience in clinical trial design and analysis

Cultivate skills in scientific writing and grant preparation

Cancer immunotherapy with a focus on:

Use Multi-omics analysis to explore the heterogeneity of MDS

Exploring biomarkers for MDS

Optimize the prognostic stratification and precise strategies for MDS

Projects:

1. Heterogeneity of MDS – identifying profiles affecting prognosis and treatment responses

2. Biomarker Discovery in MDS – utilizing multi-omics for patient stratification

3. ‘hypomethylation agents with X’  Therapies for MDS– exploring the combination of agents to enhance HMA response and overall survival

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:

Candidates 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.

Duration: 8 weeks/months

Daily Training Schedule:

Monday:

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Lecture on Basics of MDS

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Wet lab training: Imaging and flow cytometry

Tuesday:

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Workshop on bioinformatics tools for biomarker discovery

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Journal club: Discussing recent papers in malignant myeloid tumors

Wednesday:

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

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

Program Training Schedule:

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: LUO Yingwan

Email: yingwanluo@zju.edu.cn

Phone: +86 150 6718 3156