Translational Immunology: Embracing a New Era of Advancements and Opportunities

Professor Li, Philip Hei   (Principal Investigator (PI))

72

2024-07-15

1800000

Translational Immunology: Embracing a New Era of Advancements and Opportunities

Clinical immunology,Tumor immunology,Autoimmunity,Immune deficiency,Infectious disease

2499101684

Croucher Summer Courses

2024

On-going

Cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and immunodeficiencies (primary or acquired) areprevalent disorders in developed countries, and they are also the leading causes of morbidity and mortalityin Hong Kong and many other countries in this region. These conditions are underpinned by dysregulatedimmune reactions, highlighting the importance of rebalancing the immune response as a pivotal elementin disease management and curative treatment. While researchers in Hong Kong have made significantstrides in characterizing the clinical presentation and outcomes of these conditions, translationalimmunology research in these areas is still in its infancy. Therefore, our goal is to provide a platform for thelocal talents to learn about the latest advances in cancer immunology, autoimmunity, infection andimmunity, as well as immunodeficiencies from world leaders in the field. We will also invite scientists frompharmaceutical companies to share their success stories of bench to bed-side research. By maximizingopportunities for our students to network with each other and the invited speakers, we hope to fostercollaboration and facilitate the development of their research areas. Ultimately, our course aims to igniteimmunological research in Hong Kong. This will position us to rapidly and effectively translate our basicscience discoveries into practical applications.This six-day course includes lectures delivered by overseas guest speakers who are leading experts in thechosen topics. All speakers will be invited to stay for the whole course to interact with students. Informalsmall group tutorial/workshops will be arranged in the evening session to allow maximal interactionsbetween participants, local organizing committee members and invited speakers. All participants will berequired to give poster presentation in an open area where informal discussion and interaction betweenand students and faculty are strongly encouraged. About 10 participants will be selected to give short oralpresentation on their research projects in the lecture room. This will provide the chance for them topractice presentation skills and to answer questions from their peers and the faculty. Social dinners andoutings are also part of the program to promote inter-mingling of students and faculty. On the last day ofthe course, invited speakers will give seminars that are open to the public for the benefits of a wider scopeof audience.