Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024 I graduated from Sichuan University with a bachelor's degree and obtained my master's degree from Peking Union Medical College. My research focus is on the molecular mechanisms in neural development and diseases. CIMR, Beijing, is a newly established research and development institution that boasts world-class faculty and a leading graduate education system. It is the natural choice for every student who aspires to engage in fundamental medical research and make a real difference in alleviating the suffering of clinical patients. My research interests include, but are not limited to, the molecular mechanisms underlying tumors and degenerative diseases that occur during the development and aging of the nervous system, especially the interactions among various cells and molecules in these diseases. In the future, I hope to contribute to the exploration of general mechanisms of cellular aging, the role of neuroimmune mechanisms in degenerative diseases, and the molecular mechanisms of neuro-oncogenesis. I hope that we can all become experts in both life and scientific research!

Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024 I completed my Master's degree at Guangxi Medical University, where my primary research focus was on immune reconstitution failure in HIV/AIDS. I chose to pursue my doctoral studies at CIMR for several reasons: advanced management and academic philosophy, world-leading scientists (both resident and visiting), and an open, free, and inclusive academic platform. I am confident that my time here will be filled with enriching experiences and will significantly contribute to my professional growth. The future is unpredictable, but it can be full of promise. Ten years from now, I hope to remain true to my original aspirations and continue to make a modest yet meaningful contribution in the field I love.

Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024 I graduated from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, where I primarily focused on the RTK signaling pathways in gliomas and the study of related small molecule targeted drugs. I chose to continue my academic career at CIMR because I hope to leverage this higher platform to delve into the essence of tumors under the guidance of top global scientists, to understand what tumors truly are. During my master's studies, my main focus was on the tumor cells themselves, such as the signaling pathways that affect tumor proliferation and tumorigenicity, and glioma stem cells. However, in solid tumors, only about 30% are tumor cells, with the rest being normal human immune cells and stromal cells. I am particularly interested in the interactions between normal human cells and tumor cells in the tumor immune metabolic microenvironment. In the future, I aspire to personally create a comprehensive map of gliomas. In this map, we can see how a normal cell progresses step by step through certain mechanisms to proliferate, migrate, and eventually form a heterogeneous solid tumor; at the same time, we can also see how other cells in the tumor microenvironment communicate with tumor cells.

Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024 I completed my undergraduate studies at North Sichuan Medical College and obtained my master's degree from Peking University, focusing on the interaction between triple-negative breast cancer and tumor-associated macrophages. I chose the CIMR for my doctoral studies due to its advanced research platform and rich academic resources, which provide an excellent environment for my research. I am passionate about exploring anti-tumor immune targets and mechanisms, aiming to facilitate the translation of basic research into clinical applications and develop new effective therapies for cancer patients.

Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024 I graduated with a master's degree from the Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, specializing in cell biology. After graduation, I joined CIMR to pursue my Ph.D.  I first learned about CIMR through a post on Professor Yi Rao's WeChat public account. I was attracted by the excellent faculty and the philosophy of ‘scientists managing scientists’, which motivated me to apply. Having been here for a few months now, I am deeply impressed by the vibrant research atmosphere and feel honored to be part of this family. My research interest lies in immunology—a field intimately connected to human health. Recent breakthroughs in B-cell and T-cell development and therapy, particularly in TCR and BCR engineering and related signaling pathways, have been remarkable.  Over the next decade, I aspire to dedicate myself to this field, deepening my understanding through learning and discussions with mentors, senior students, and peers. I hope to make a small but meaningful contribution to the treatment of related diseases. Perception of scientific research: I think scientific research is a process of cultivation, which requires cooperation and of course patience, perseverance, optimism and interest, in which we will deepen our understanding and exercise to make ourselves better. A personal motto guides me, and I’d like to share it for inspiration: "Be a person of length, healthy in body and mind, which is the foundation of learning and work;Be a person with width, learn life skills in addition to professional knowledge, read more, watch more, think more, walk more, listen more, and keep enriching your life;Be a person with depth, look beyond surfaces, deliberate thoroughly, and make choices without regret;Be a person with height, elevate your character, respond with composure, and face challenges magnanimously;Be a person with dimension, navigate diverse roles (parent, mentor, professional, etc.) with grace, crafting a life of both refinement and joy." May we all ride our dreams and find our spiritual haven.

Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024 I graduated from the Department of Clinical Medicine of Zhengzhou University for my undergraduate degree, and graduated from the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University for my master's degree, with my research interests in the study of the molecular mechanisms of osteosarcoma pathogenesis and drug resistance. My master's study experience at Central South University not only sharpened my clinical professional skills, but my three years of basic experimental research experience also made me interested in scientific research. I chose to pursue my doctoral degree in the CIMR because it is a high-level open research platform with advanced equipment and technology, as well as a top-notch team of supervisors, which can provide me with a broader vision of the frontiers of scientific research as well as more in-depth training in scientific research skills and logic, and allow me to be more courageous in pursuing my dream of scientific research.After 10 years, I hope to be able to form my own research field with the help of my research experience in the CIMR; and on this basis, I hope to dedicate myself to the treatment of bone tumours by promoting the improvement of the prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma, a rare tumour, through my research.

Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024 I graduated from Capital Medical University with a major in Clinical Medicine as my undergraduate degree. CIMR is an open and inclusive place, a platform for scientists from different fields to communicate with each other, which is conducive to academic research. Currently, I am focusing on islet functional imaging, hoping to explore the relationship between islet microstructure and macrofunction through intuitive imaging, and expecting to make achievements in the field of imaging in the future.

Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024 I graduated from XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University. I graduated from South China University of Technology with a master's degree in oncology. My research interests include signaling pathways of head and neck cancer metastasis and biomarkers of thoracic cancer. The direction of my interest is tumor-associated immune checkpoints. Moving forward, I aspire to remain true to my original intention and become a proficient doctor dedicated to serving the community.

Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024 I graduated from Capital Medical University with a master's degree in physiology. My research direction during my master's degree was to explore the pathogenesis of gastric motility disorders associated with Helicobacter pylori. CIMR is an excellent scientific research platform, and its strong faculty and excellent facilities deeply attract me. Here, I can access the latest research results and hope to contribute to the development of scientific research in the future.

Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024 I completed both my undergraduate and master's studies at Southern University of Science and Technology. During my undergraduate years, I used the C.elegans as a model to investigate the role of germ cells in its sexual development and this experience that kindled my deep interest in developmental biology. In my master's program, I shifted my focus to the field of neuroscience, dedicating my efforts to establishing a zebrafish model for ADHD and exploring its pathogenic mechanisms. This process profoundly impressed upon me the vital role that life sciences research plays in promoting improvements in human health and enhancing the quality of life. The Chinese Institutes for Medical Research (CIMR), Beijing, an emerging research institution, has deeply attracted me with its advanced research teams, solid medical collaboration background, and advanced scientific research platform. Looking to the future, I aspire to become an outstanding scientist in the neuroscience field, leading a team to achieve breakthroughs in the treatment of neurological diseases and translating scientific research outcomes into broad social value, contributing to the health of all people. In this journey, I will tirelessly pursue scientific truth and strive unceasingly for the betterment of human health.