This program is tailored to train early-career researchers and students in autoimmune disease immunotherapy 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 transfusion medicine and immunology.

· Access to advanced laboratory facilities, including flow cytometry and sequencing platforms

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

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

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

· Opportunities to publish articles or abstracts in peer-reviewed journals and the ability to write grants

· Understand the current status and progress of autoimmune diseases

· Develop proficiency in cutting-edge laboratory techniques, such as single-cell sequencing

· Gain experience in experimental design and analysis

· Cultivate skills in scientific writing and grant preparation

8 weeks

Autoimmune diseases with a focus on:

Investigating platelet autoantibody production and ITP induced by Tfh1 cells

Investigating macrophage phagocytosis of platelets mediates the occurrence and development of ITP

Exploring biomarkers for immunotherapy

Projects:

1. Regulatory role of PF4/CXCR3 axis on the differentiation of Tfh1 cells in the pathogenesis of ITP (the National Natural Science Foundation of China)

2. Role of IRE1α/NR1D1 signaling axis regulating macrophage phagocytosis of platelets mediating the development of immune thrombocytopenia (Key Project of Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation)

Undergraduate students：

Candidates should be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in laboratory medicine, biology, 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 laboratory medicine, biology, 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 or immunology with some prior research experience. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to work independently and contribute to team projects. Proficiency in English is essential.

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.

Daily Training Schedule:

Monday or Tuesday:

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Lecture on Basics of autoimmune diseases

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Wet lab training

Friday and Saturday

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Journal club: Discussing recent papers

2:00 PM – 4:00 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，blood sample collection)

· 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, or advanced techniques)

· Scientific writing and grant preparation

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:

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.