This program is tailored to train early-career researchers and PhD students interested in cutting-edge research field of cardiovascular medicine. The program aims to equip participants with both frontier updates and hands-on research skills, preparing them for developing an advanced academic career in biomedical sciences. The target group includes PhD students, research fellows, and postdoctoral researchers who have a persistent passion about basic and translational cardiovascular medicine.

· Weekly mentorship meetings with Prof. LUO and a multidisciplinary research team

· Access to advanced laboratory facilities, including mechanobiology, cardiac regenerative and vascular imaging platforms

· Real-time involvement in translational research projects

· Opportunities to publish research 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 cardiovascular medicine

· Develop proficiency in cutting-edge laboratory techniques, such as genome editing.

· Gain ample experience in proposing an important project and data analysis

· Cultivate research skills in scientific writing and grant preparation

8 weeks

Cardiovascular medicine with a focus on:

· Investigating novel and critical mechanotransducers for atherogenesis

· Exploring biomarkers for atherosclerosis and vascular calcification

· Mechanistic studies aiming to improve the clinical outcome of vascular graft

Projects:

1. Role of PIEZO1 in exercise-induced vascular function and remodeling

2. Transcriptional control of endothelial cell function and metabolic activity

3. Mechanosensing by resident vascular macrophage for overcoming graft failure

Graduate students:

Candidates must be enrolled in a Master’s, M.D. or Ph.D. program in basic medicine, cardiology, pharmacology 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 prior research experience. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to work independently and contribute to team projects. Proficiency in English.

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. Proficiency 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. Proficiency in English

Daily Training Schedule (Example):

Monday:

8:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Lecture on Principles of Cardiovascular (CV) Research

1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Wet lab training: Endothelial cell culture and angiogenesis

Tuesday:

8:30 AM – 11:30 PM: Workshop on bioinformatics tools for CV Research

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Journal club: Discussing recent papers in CV Research

Wednesday:

8:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Arterial isolation and dissection for staining

1:30 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 experiences 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 will be 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.