Education&Training
Graduate

Chinese Institutes for Medical Research, Beijing (CIMR) is a research organization dedicated to advancing basic and translational medical research. Our goal is to tackle fundamental problems in human health with cutting edge technology and through inter-disciplinary collaborations with world-class scientists and physicians in Beijing. CIMR will provide education and training opportunities for future medical scientists. We are committed to a science-centered framework to promote innovation in research and education through a variety of novel funding mechanisms. CIMR provides graduate education programs in collaboration with Capital Medical University.

Q&A
1. For admissions, which universities are collaborating with CIMR?

The CIMR collaborates with Capital Medical University for the joint admission of doctoral candidates.

 

2. What are the admission methods available at the CIMR?
  • For Master’s degree candidates, there is an Application Assessment System for regular Ph.D. students.
  • For current undergraduate students, there is a Non-Examination Recommendation System for direct Ph.D. candidates.

 

3. Application Assessment System V.S. Non-Examination Recommendation System

 

  • Application Assessment System

Admission Targets: Fresh or former Master’s degree graduates

Timeline: Generally, the admission brochure is released between October and November each year, comprehensive assessments take place from December to April of the following year. Additional admission batches may be arranged annually based on the school’s unified enrollment schedule, with relevant information expected to be released around May. Students who pass the interview must obtain their Master’s degree and diploma, and they will start their Ph.D. studies in September of the following year.

 

  • Non-examination Recommendation System (Summer Camp)

Admission Targets: Fresh undergraduate students who qualify for the school’s recommendation.

Timeline: Generally, the admission brochure is released between April and May each year. Undergraduates in their junior year (or the fourth year for five-year programs) can apply and submit required materials as specified. Interviews usually take place in July, with the exact timing subject to annual variations. Students who pass the interview and receive the school’s recommendation must complete the National Recommendation System procedures and submit materials by September or October for admission in the following September.

 

No.

University

Admission Methods

Admission Targets

Time of releasing Admission Brochure

1

Capital Medical University (CMU)

Non-Examination Recommendation System

Fresh undergraduate students who qualify for the school’s recommendation

Between April and May

Application Assessment System

Fresh or former Master’s degree graduates

Between October and November

Additional admission batches for Application Assessment System

 

 

 

4. How to choose?
 

Capital Medical University (CMU)

The Chinese Institutes for Medical Research, Beijing (CIMR)

Neurobiology;

Immunology;

Pharmacology;

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology;

 

5. Where does the enrolled student’s status belong? Which school issues the diploma?

The student status belongs to Capital Medical University, and the diploma and degree are issued by Capital Medical University after graduation.

 

6. What professional background should students who want to apply have?

Students with a strong interest in the biological sciences are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a background in biology, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, medicine, materials, electronics, and other STEM areas. They should be enthusiastic about interdisciplinary academic research and be eager to participate in scientific research.

 

7. Do applicants need to contact mentors before applying?

There is no need to contact mentors in advance. Each mentor has a certain number of admission quotas each year, and if there is an interested mentor, you can apply directly. The CIMR implements a rotation system, and only admitted (or prospective) students need to contact mentors for rotation.

 

8. How many years is the length of schooling at CIMR?

Refer to the admissions brochure for the specific year.

  • Application Assessment System for general doctoral students (starting from master’s level)

Capital Medical University: 3-5 years.

  • Non-examination Recommendation System for direct doctoral students (starting from undergraduate level)

Capital Medical University: Generally 5-7 years, exceptionally outstanding students 3-4 years (no minimum requirements).

 

9. What are the advantages of admissions at CIMR?
  • The most prestigious and worldwide mentor team:The CIMR mentors are the most competent and influential young scientists recruited from abroad, including a significant number of non-Chinese international scientists. They have the most extensive research skills, the most committed research zeal, the widest vision, and the most promising development prospects.
  • Multidisciplinary background, fully cross-disciplinary, and open-sharing research atmosphere:We have top scientists from the United States, Europe, and around the world, students with diverse backgrounds in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, biotechnology, and clinical applications, as well as technical platforms, sample libraries, databases, and clinical case resource sharing systems jointly established by multiple units.
  • Innovative medical research talent training model: The CIMR collaborates closely with Capital Medical University (CMU) and more than 20 affiliated CMU hospitals, providing rich clinical research resources. It conducts basic medical research and clinical translational research centered on clinical problems.
  • Sufficient research funding:Mentors do not need to spend too much time applying for projects; most of their time can be used for research and guiding graduate students.
  • Complete supporting equipment: The CIMR’s technical support platform will purchase experimental equipment and devices according to the laboratory's needs, providing the most complete experimental facilities for the laboratory.
  • The best student treatment:Compared to other research institutes, the subsidies for students at the CIMR are significantly advantageous. Students can focus on research without worries.

 

10. Can students apply for admission to multiple schools’ admission projects simultaneously? How to submit application materials?

Applicants should carefully read the requirements of the corresponding admission projects, and then submit application materials according to the school’s admissions brochure and the CIMR’s supplementary requirements.

 

11. Is accommodation and transportation reimbursement arranged for students participating in interviews?

Offline interviews: The CIMR reimburses partial transportation expenses and covers all accommodation expenses for all students participating in interviews. In special cases, online interviews may be conducted.

 

12. How are doctoral students admitted to the CIMR allocated mentors? Is it necessary to contact mentors in advance?

Doctoral students at the CIMR must participate in three rounds of laboratory rotations, each lasting 1-3 months. Students need to contact mentors to determine rotation-related matters before confirming admission to the first year. We encourage students to interview with mentors to determine whether the laboratory can accept rotation, the rotation time, and the planned research project. After completing three rotation rounds, students are admitted through mutual selection between mentors and students.

We encourage students who have passed the second interview to start rotating in the CIMR before enrollment, which can effectively save time after enrollment. The early rotation can be in the form of an internship or graduation design. Early rotation helps students choose the laboratory they like.

 

13. What academic exchange activities does the CIMR have?

The CIMR’s academic activities are rich and diverse, including series of lectures such as:

  • PI Candidate Series Lectures
  • Invited Academic Lectures
  • Specific Topic Series Lectures
  • Internal Academic Exchange Series Lectures
  • In addition to the above lecture series, there are international academic conferences, research progress reports, and other academic exchange activities. Students at the CIMR not only benefit from exchanges and cooperation between laboratories within the institute or domestic laboratories but also exercise their abilities through face-to-face exchanges with top international peers.

 

14. What courses does the CIMR have?

After doctoral students enroll, they need to complete the courses required by the university’s training program and earn the required credits. The CIMR also offers special courses based on specific situations.

 

15. What are the graduation requirements for students at the CIMR?

The graduation requirements for students at the CIMR follow the requirements of the academic unit where their student status is located, and the CIMR does not impose additional requirements.

 

16. What forms of scholarships does the CIMR have?

All students studying at the CIMR, in addition to applying for scholarships established by the academic unit, can also apply for the “Doctoral Graduate Scholarship” established by the CIMR.

 

17. Besides research, what extracurricular activities does the CIMR have?

CIMR is preparing to establish a student union to enrich students' extracurricular lives, which will organize various cultural and sports activities, including outings, fun sports meetings, and teacher-student exchange meetings.

 

18. How is the treatment of students at the CIMR?
  • In addition to receiving living allowances and scholarships from the corresponding university, the CIMR also provides additional living allowances, increasing year by year.
  • The CIMR also sets up part-time work-study positions to help students alleviate economic pressure.
  • The CIMR also provides a certain amount of book purchase allowances.
  • Participation in rich academic and team-building recreational activities.
  • Many opportunities to interact with research experts in related fields internationally, including seminars, special reports, luncheons, and other forms.

 

19. What transportation options are available?
  • Shuttle bus: Shuttle buses from student dormitories to Capital Medical University.
  • Metro: West Tieying Station.

 

20. What should students do for medical treatment?

Students can seek emergency and outpatient care for illness at designated medical insurance hospitals nearby or go to hospitals affiliated with the academic unit. Medical insurance for students studying at the CIMR is implemented according to the requirements of the jointly recruiting schools.

 

21. What training courses does the CIMR have? Who are they for?

The CIMR holds winter training courses in January and summer training courses in July each year, targeting undergraduate and master’s students from various universities.

 

22. What is the relationship between training courses and admissions at the CIMR?

Training courses only involve material screening and do not include interview assessments, so they are not part of the admissions process. Admissions involve material screening and interview assessments, leading to the final selection of prospective students. Students who have attended training courses can apply for admission to the CIMR. Participating in CIMR training courses helps students understand the research direction and mentors of the center in advance.

 

23. How to apply for training courses?

In November and December each year and May and June each year, the CIMR’s official website will announce training course enrollment notices. Interested students can submit relevant materials according to the requirements of the brochure. The CIMR will organize an expert group to screen and select the best candidates, and the list will be announced on the CIMR’s official website.

 

24. What is the content of the training courses?

Through short-term courses, visits, team-building exchanges, short-term learning in laboratories, etc., students are encouraged to understand various research directions, current status, and cutting-edge advances in neuroscience. Students also preliminarily learn and master basic neuroscience experimental skills, enhance scientific thinking and expression abilities, and lay the foundation for future scientific research.

 

25. Are there fees for students participating in training courses? Is accommodation and transportation reimbursement arranged?

Training courses do not charge any training fees to students, and for offline courses, the CIMR reimburses partial transportation expenses and covers all accommodation expenses.

 

26. How can one learn more about CIMR?

Contact: Mr. Duan

Phone: 010-83950568

Email: education@cimrbj.ac.cn

 

 

Enrollment Calendar
Exemption: July and September every year;
Application for assessment: November each year and April of the following year.
Mentors More
Deguang LIANG
Assistant Investigator
Dr. Deguang Liang received his bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Sun Yat-sen University, and his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He conducted his postdoctoral research with Dr. Xuejun Jiang at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He will join CIMR as assistant investigator in 2024. His previous studies have been published in prestigious journals such as Cell, Molecular Cell, and Cell Research, among others.   Dr. Liang’s lab is dedicated to studying the molecular regulation and biological function of phospholipid (PL) metabolism pathways (e.g., PL de novo synthesis, remodeling, transport, etc.) under different physiological and pathological conditions. PLs are major components of cell membranes, and the dynamic changes in PL composition, on the one hand, regulate the physicochemical properties of cell membranes and influence cellular functions (such as cell migration, phagocytosis, exocytosis, autophagy, mitochondrial aerobic respiration, etc.). On the other hand, they also modulate the sensitivity of cells to ferroptosis (an emerging form of regulated cell death caused by iron-mediated PL peroxidation) and affect the occurrence and progression of related diseases (such as tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, ischemia-reperfusion injury, etc.). Therefore, investigating the intricate feedback regulation of cellular PL metabolism pathways holds significant importance for both basic and translational research.
Details
Lin MEI
Distinguished Investigator
Dr. Lin Mei pioneered our apprehension of the development and function of synapses - nerve cell contacts critical to the communication between neurons. He revealed molecular mechanisms of the formation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a special synapse critical to our mobility. He discovered that LRP4, a molecule critical to NMJ formation, serves as the receptor for agrin, solving a decade-old mystery. By solving the crystal structure of an agrin-LRP4 complex, he revealed how signal is transduced from agrin to the downstream kinase MuSK. Dr. Mei also uncovered LRP4 antibodies as a new biomarker for myasthenia gravis that otherwise cannot be diagnosed. He recently revealed rapsyn, a classic “adapter protein”, undergoes phase condensation and is in fact an enzyme whose activity is necessary for NMJ formation, uncovering brand-new mechanisms. Dr. Mei has also discovered an important homeostatic control of brain activity by neuregulin 1 and its receptor ErbB4, both risk genes of major depression and schizophrenia. Dr. Mei’s paradigm-shifting works have been described in neuroscience textbooks and have an enormous impact on clinical practice. For example, a test he invented to detect LRP4 antibodies has been used worldwide in the clinic to diagnose myasthenia gravis. Dr. Mei led a consortium of seventeen clinical centers in the US to study newly identified biomarkers in myasthenia gravis. Many of his trainees including 12 PhD students have become independent scientists.         Dr. Mei is currently the founding Director, Chinese Institutes for Medical Research, Beijing. In 2017-2023, he was the Chair, Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio and the founding Director of Cleveland Brain Health Initiative that brings together the collaborative expertise of ~500 scientists and clinicians in Cleveland to improve brain health. Earlier, he was on faculty at the University of Virginia, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Medical College of Georgia where he established a new Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine.   
Details
Xu TAN
Investigator 
Professor Xu Tan obtained his bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Science and Technology of China and the University of Washington in Seattle, respectively. During graduate school, he worked with Dr. Ning Zheng and identified the first molecular glue degrader. He conducted postdoctoral research on genetics and virology with Dr. Stephen Elledge at Harvard Medical School. From 2014 to 2023, he ran his own laboratory at Tsinghua University before joining the CIMR in 2023. His lab conducts studies on virus-host interactions and antiviral drug discovery using high-throughput screening technologies for SARS-CoV2, HIV, hepatitis B, and Zika viruses. Professor Tan has first-author and corresponding-author publications in high-impact journals such as Nature, Nature Genetics, Nature Biotechnology, Nature Microbiology, Cell Host & Microbe, Cell Research, Nature Communications, and PNAS, which have been cited over 6000 times. He has led an international cooperation project and two sub-projects of the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Key Research and Development Program. He has also won grants of the National Natural Science Foundation’s Excellent Young Scientist and General Programs. For his scientific accomplishments, Dr. Tan was awarded the Bayer Investigator Award, the Damon Runyon Postdoctoral Fellowship, the  GE and Science Magazine Young Life Scientist Award etc. His lab has generated several national and international patents.
Details
PhD. Students More
Xuying HUANG
Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2023, Mentor:  Dr. Yu ZHANG   My undergraduate degree was from Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a five-year program in clinical medicine. I received my master's degree in Oncology from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University under the supervision of Professor. Guangyu AN. During my master's degree, I studied at the Department of Oncology, Chaoyang Hospital, Beijing, China, and conducted research in the field of "Development of novel biomarkers in solid tumors and their value in immunotherapy". During my undergraduate and master's studies in the hospital, I experienced the helplessness of doctors and patients, saw the limitations of clinical oncology treatments, and learned the great clinical prospects of tumor immunotherapy. I think it is an immensely noble endeavor that one success in clinical work can help one patient, but one victory in research can help a large patient population. With this in mind, I chose to join the CIMR and I was deeply attracted by CIMR's philosophy of "Integrating basic and clinical research, creating a modern medical research system that is multidisciplinary, and fostering a new type of talents who are committed to the basic, clinical, and innovative translational aspects of medical science". I hope to receive professional and rigorous scientific research training here, and, under the guidance of Professor. Yu ZHANG as well as the center's cultivation, explore the complex interactions between the immune system and tumors, and find a new direction for clinical oncology treatment.
Details

Chinese Institutes for Medical Research, Beijing (CIMR) is a research organization dedicated to advancing basic and translational medical research. Our goal is to tackle fundamental problems in human health with cutting edge technology and through inter-disciplinary collaborations with world-class scientists and physicians in Beijing. CIMR will provide education and training opportunities for future medical scientists. We are committed to a science-centered framework to promote innovation in research and education through a variety of novel funding mechanisms. CIMR provides graduate education programs in collaboration with Capital Medical University.

Q&A
1. For admissions, which universities are collaborating with CIMR?

The CIMR collaborates with Capital Medical University for the joint admission of doctoral candidates.

 

2. What are the admission methods available at the CIMR?
  • For Master’s degree candidates, there is an Application Assessment System for regular Ph.D. students.
  • For current undergraduate students, there is a Non-Examination Recommendation System for direct Ph.D. candidates.

 

3. Application Assessment System V.S. Non-Examination Recommendation System

 

  • Application Assessment System

Admission Targets: Fresh or former Master’s degree graduates

Timeline: Generally, the admission brochure is released between October and November each year, comprehensive assessments take place from December to April of the following year. Additional admission batches may be arranged annually based on the school’s unified enrollment schedule, with relevant information expected to be released around May. Students who pass the interview must obtain their Master’s degree and diploma, and they will start their Ph.D. studies in September of the following year.

 

  • Non-examination Recommendation System (Summer Camp)

Admission Targets: Fresh undergraduate students who qualify for the school’s recommendation.

Timeline: Generally, the admission brochure is released between April and May each year. Undergraduates in their junior year (or the fourth year for five-year programs) can apply and submit required materials as specified. Interviews usually take place in July, with the exact timing subject to annual variations. Students who pass the interview and receive the school’s recommendation must complete the National Recommendation System procedures and submit materials by September or October for admission in the following September.

 

No.

University

Admission Methods

Admission Targets

Time of releasing Admission Brochure

1

Capital Medical University (CMU)

Non-Examination Recommendation System

Fresh undergraduate students who qualify for the school’s recommendation

Between April and May

Application Assessment System

Fresh or former Master’s degree graduates

Between October and November

Additional admission batches for Application Assessment System

 

 

 

4. How to choose?
 

Capital Medical University (CMU)

The Chinese Institutes for Medical Research, Beijing (CIMR)

Neurobiology;

Immunology;

Pharmacology;

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology;

 

5. Where does the enrolled student’s status belong? Which school issues the diploma?

The student status belongs to Capital Medical University, and the diploma and degree are issued by Capital Medical University after graduation.

 

6. What professional background should students who want to apply have?

Students with a strong interest in the biological sciences are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a background in biology, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, medicine, materials, electronics, and other STEM areas. They should be enthusiastic about interdisciplinary academic research and be eager to participate in scientific research.

 

7. Do applicants need to contact mentors before applying?

There is no need to contact mentors in advance. Each mentor has a certain number of admission quotas each year, and if there is an interested mentor, you can apply directly. The CIMR implements a rotation system, and only admitted (or prospective) students need to contact mentors for rotation.

 

8. How many years is the length of schooling at CIMR?

Refer to the admissions brochure for the specific year.

  • Application Assessment System for general doctoral students (starting from master’s level)

Capital Medical University: 3-5 years.

  • Non-examination Recommendation System for direct doctoral students (starting from undergraduate level)

Capital Medical University: Generally 5-7 years, exceptionally outstanding students 3-4 years (no minimum requirements).

 

9. What are the advantages of admissions at CIMR?
  • The most prestigious and worldwide mentor team:The CIMR mentors are the most competent and influential young scientists recruited from abroad, including a significant number of non-Chinese international scientists. They have the most extensive research skills, the most committed research zeal, the widest vision, and the most promising development prospects.
  • Multidisciplinary background, fully cross-disciplinary, and open-sharing research atmosphere:We have top scientists from the United States, Europe, and around the world, students with diverse backgrounds in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, biotechnology, and clinical applications, as well as technical platforms, sample libraries, databases, and clinical case resource sharing systems jointly established by multiple units.
  • Innovative medical research talent training model: The CIMR collaborates closely with Capital Medical University (CMU) and more than 20 affiliated CMU hospitals, providing rich clinical research resources. It conducts basic medical research and clinical translational research centered on clinical problems.
  • Sufficient research funding:Mentors do not need to spend too much time applying for projects; most of their time can be used for research and guiding graduate students.
  • Complete supporting equipment: The CIMR’s technical support platform will purchase experimental equipment and devices according to the laboratory's needs, providing the most complete experimental facilities for the laboratory.
  • The best student treatment:Compared to other research institutes, the subsidies for students at the CIMR are significantly advantageous. Students can focus on research without worries.

 

10. Can students apply for admission to multiple schools’ admission projects simultaneously? How to submit application materials?

Applicants should carefully read the requirements of the corresponding admission projects, and then submit application materials according to the school’s admissions brochure and the CIMR’s supplementary requirements.

 

11. Is accommodation and transportation reimbursement arranged for students participating in interviews?

Offline interviews: The CIMR reimburses partial transportation expenses and covers all accommodation expenses for all students participating in interviews. In special cases, online interviews may be conducted.

 

12. How are doctoral students admitted to the CIMR allocated mentors? Is it necessary to contact mentors in advance?

Doctoral students at the CIMR must participate in three rounds of laboratory rotations, each lasting 1-3 months. Students need to contact mentors to determine rotation-related matters before confirming admission to the first year. We encourage students to interview with mentors to determine whether the laboratory can accept rotation, the rotation time, and the planned research project. After completing three rotation rounds, students are admitted through mutual selection between mentors and students.

We encourage students who have passed the second interview to start rotating in the CIMR before enrollment, which can effectively save time after enrollment. The early rotation can be in the form of an internship or graduation design. Early rotation helps students choose the laboratory they like.

 

13. What academic exchange activities does the CIMR have?

The CIMR’s academic activities are rich and diverse, including series of lectures such as:

  • PI Candidate Series Lectures
  • Invited Academic Lectures
  • Specific Topic Series Lectures
  • Internal Academic Exchange Series Lectures
  • In addition to the above lecture series, there are international academic conferences, research progress reports, and other academic exchange activities. Students at the CIMR not only benefit from exchanges and cooperation between laboratories within the institute or domestic laboratories but also exercise their abilities through face-to-face exchanges with top international peers.

 

14. What courses does the CIMR have?

After doctoral students enroll, they need to complete the courses required by the university’s training program and earn the required credits. The CIMR also offers special courses based on specific situations.

 

15. What are the graduation requirements for students at the CIMR?

The graduation requirements for students at the CIMR follow the requirements of the academic unit where their student status is located, and the CIMR does not impose additional requirements.

 

16. What forms of scholarships does the CIMR have?

All students studying at the CIMR, in addition to applying for scholarships established by the academic unit, can also apply for the “Doctoral Graduate Scholarship” established by the CIMR.

 

17. Besides research, what extracurricular activities does the CIMR have?

CIMR is preparing to establish a student union to enrich students' extracurricular lives, which will organize various cultural and sports activities, including outings, fun sports meetings, and teacher-student exchange meetings.

 

18. How is the treatment of students at the CIMR?
  • In addition to receiving living allowances and scholarships from the corresponding university, the CIMR also provides additional living allowances, increasing year by year.
  • The CIMR also sets up part-time work-study positions to help students alleviate economic pressure.
  • The CIMR also provides a certain amount of book purchase allowances.
  • Participation in rich academic and team-building recreational activities.
  • Many opportunities to interact with research experts in related fields internationally, including seminars, special reports, luncheons, and other forms.

 

19. What transportation options are available?
  • Shuttle bus: Shuttle buses from student dormitories to Capital Medical University.
  • Metro: West Tieying Station.

 

20. What should students do for medical treatment?

Students can seek emergency and outpatient care for illness at designated medical insurance hospitals nearby or go to hospitals affiliated with the academic unit. Medical insurance for students studying at the CIMR is implemented according to the requirements of the jointly recruiting schools.

 

21. What training courses does the CIMR have? Who are they for?

The CIMR holds winter training courses in January and summer training courses in July each year, targeting undergraduate and master’s students from various universities.

 

22. What is the relationship between training courses and admissions at the CIMR?

Training courses only involve material screening and do not include interview assessments, so they are not part of the admissions process. Admissions involve material screening and interview assessments, leading to the final selection of prospective students. Students who have attended training courses can apply for admission to the CIMR. Participating in CIMR training courses helps students understand the research direction and mentors of the center in advance.

 

23. How to apply for training courses?

In November and December each year and May and June each year, the CIMR’s official website will announce training course enrollment notices. Interested students can submit relevant materials according to the requirements of the brochure. The CIMR will organize an expert group to screen and select the best candidates, and the list will be announced on the CIMR’s official website.

 

24. What is the content of the training courses?

Through short-term courses, visits, team-building exchanges, short-term learning in laboratories, etc., students are encouraged to understand various research directions, current status, and cutting-edge advances in neuroscience. Students also preliminarily learn and master basic neuroscience experimental skills, enhance scientific thinking and expression abilities, and lay the foundation for future scientific research.

 

25. Are there fees for students participating in training courses? Is accommodation and transportation reimbursement arranged?

Training courses do not charge any training fees to students, and for offline courses, the CIMR reimburses partial transportation expenses and covers all accommodation expenses.

 

26. How can one learn more about CIMR?

Contact: Mr. Duan

Phone: 010-83950568

Email: education@cimrbj.ac.cn

 

 

Enrollment Calendar
Exemption: July and September every year;
Application for assessment: November each year and April of the following year.
Mentors
Deguang LIANG
Assistant Investigator
Dr. Deguang Liang received his bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Sun Yat-sen University, and his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He conducted his postdoctoral research with Dr. Xuejun Jiang at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He will join CIMR as assistant investigator in 2024. His previous studies have been published in prestigious journals such as Cell, Molecular Cell, and Cell Research, among others.   Dr. Liang’s lab is dedicated to studying the molecular regulation and biological function of phospholipid (PL) metabolism pathways (e.g., PL de novo synthesis, remodeling, transport, etc.) under different physiological and pathological conditions. PLs are major components of cell membranes, and the dynamic changes in PL composition, on the one hand, regulate the physicochemical properties of cell membranes and influence cellular functions (such as cell migration, phagocytosis, exocytosis, autophagy, mitochondrial aerobic respiration, etc.). On the other hand, they also modulate the sensitivity of cells to ferroptosis (an emerging form of regulated cell death caused by iron-mediated PL peroxidation) and affect the occurrence and progression of related diseases (such as tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, ischemia-reperfusion injury, etc.). Therefore, investigating the intricate feedback regulation of cellular PL metabolism pathways holds significant importance for both basic and translational research.
Lin MEI
Distinguished Investigator
Dr. Lin Mei pioneered our apprehension of the development and function of synapses - nerve cell contacts critical to the communication between neurons. He revealed molecular mechanisms of the formation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a special synapse critical to our mobility. He discovered that LRP4, a molecule critical to NMJ formation, serves as the receptor for agrin, solving a decade-old mystery. By solving the crystal structure of an agrin-LRP4 complex, he revealed how signal is transduced from agrin to the downstream kinase MuSK. Dr. Mei also uncovered LRP4 antibodies as a new biomarker for myasthenia gravis that otherwise cannot be diagnosed. He recently revealed rapsyn, a classic “adapter protein”, undergoes phase condensation and is in fact an enzyme whose activity is necessary for NMJ formation, uncovering brand-new mechanisms. Dr. Mei has also discovered an important homeostatic control of brain activity by neuregulin 1 and its receptor ErbB4, both risk genes of major depression and schizophrenia. Dr. Mei’s paradigm-shifting works have been described in neuroscience textbooks and have an enormous impact on clinical practice. For example, a test he invented to detect LRP4 antibodies has been used worldwide in the clinic to diagnose myasthenia gravis. Dr. Mei led a consortium of seventeen clinical centers in the US to study newly identified biomarkers in myasthenia gravis. Many of his trainees including 12 PhD students have become independent scientists.         Dr. Mei is currently the founding Director, Chinese Institutes for Medical Research, Beijing. In 2017-2023, he was the Chair, Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio and the founding Director of Cleveland Brain Health Initiative that brings together the collaborative expertise of ~500 scientists and clinicians in Cleveland to improve brain health. Earlier, he was on faculty at the University of Virginia, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Medical College of Georgia where he established a new Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine.   
Xu TAN
Investigator 
Professor Xu Tan obtained his bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Science and Technology of China and the University of Washington in Seattle, respectively. During graduate school, he worked with Dr. Ning Zheng and identified the first molecular glue degrader. He conducted postdoctoral research on genetics and virology with Dr. Stephen Elledge at Harvard Medical School. From 2014 to 2023, he ran his own laboratory at Tsinghua University before joining the CIMR in 2023. His lab conducts studies on virus-host interactions and antiviral drug discovery using high-throughput screening technologies for SARS-CoV2, HIV, hepatitis B, and Zika viruses. Professor Tan has first-author and corresponding-author publications in high-impact journals such as Nature, Nature Genetics, Nature Biotechnology, Nature Microbiology, Cell Host & Microbe, Cell Research, Nature Communications, and PNAS, which have been cited over 6000 times. He has led an international cooperation project and two sub-projects of the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Key Research and Development Program. He has also won grants of the National Natural Science Foundation’s Excellent Young Scientist and General Programs. For his scientific accomplishments, Dr. Tan was awarded the Bayer Investigator Award, the Damon Runyon Postdoctoral Fellowship, the  GE and Science Magazine Young Life Scientist Award etc. His lab has generated several national and international patents.
Honghu ZHU
Associate Investigator
Professor Hong-Hu Zhu got his Ph.D. from Peking University under the supervision of Professor Daopei Lu, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He is a member of the International Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) Foundation, a member of the Asia‐Pacific Leukemia Consortium, a standing committee member of the Hematology-Oncology Committee of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association, an executive committee member of the China Association of Chinese Medicine Blood Disease Branch, a committee member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Group of Chinese Society of Hematology in Chinese Medical Association, and the deputy director of the Cell Analysis Committee, Chinese Society of Biotechnology.   Professor Zhu has worked in hematology for 29 years, specializing in clinical and translational research in acute leukemia. His primary academic achievements include:   First, establishing a unique chemo-free outpatient treatment model with oral arsenics ad ATRA for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), with a cure rate of more than 95%.【J Clin Oncol(2013)、N Eng J Med(2014a,2014b)、Lancet Oncol(2018)、Blood(2016, 2018, 2019),J Hematol Oncol(2022)】   Second, establishing the DAV (daunorubicin, cytarabine, and homoharringtonine) regimen as front-line treatment for newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with a complete remission  rate exceeding 90%.【Lancet Haematol 2022】   Third, Pioneering the definition of a new subtype of leukemia, RARG rearranged AML for the first time internationally.【Leukemia 2018、Leuk Res 2019, Blood Advance 2023】   Professor Zhu is at the forefront of developing efficient, low-toxicity leukemia treatment procedures and tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in China. 
PhD. Students
Xuying HUANG
Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2023, Mentor:  Dr. Yu ZHANG   My undergraduate degree was from Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a five-year program in clinical medicine. I received my master's degree in Oncology from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University under the supervision of Professor. Guangyu AN. During my master's degree, I studied at the Department of Oncology, Chaoyang Hospital, Beijing, China, and conducted research in the field of "Development of novel biomarkers in solid tumors and their value in immunotherapy". During my undergraduate and master's studies in the hospital, I experienced the helplessness of doctors and patients, saw the limitations of clinical oncology treatments, and learned the great clinical prospects of tumor immunotherapy. I think it is an immensely noble endeavor that one success in clinical work can help one patient, but one victory in research can help a large patient population. With this in mind, I chose to join the CIMR and I was deeply attracted by CIMR's philosophy of "Integrating basic and clinical research, creating a modern medical research system that is multidisciplinary, and fostering a new type of talents who are committed to the basic, clinical, and innovative translational aspects of medical science". I hope to receive professional and rigorous scientific research training here, and, under the guidance of Professor. Yu ZHANG as well as the center's cultivation, explore the complex interactions between the immune system and tumors, and find a new direction for clinical oncology treatment.
You ZHOU
Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2023, Mentor: Dr. Lin MEI   I graduated from Wuhan Polytechnic University with a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Southwest Medical University. Currently, I am focusing on the regulatory role of muscle to motor neurons and its potential molecular mechanisms.   Synapses, as the key devices for the connection in neurons & neurons and neurons & other types of cells, has large quantities and complex connection. Through synapses, neurons perceive pain, temperature, touch, pressure/control voluntary movements/affect cognition and produce emotions. However, the peripheral system, especially muscle, has a relatively larger volume and mass than brain and spinal cord. So muscular influence to the nervous system cannot be ignored. Now I chose the classical model --- neuromuscular junction, to study the down-top influences of the periphery organs for nervous system.   In May 2023, by chance, I saw the CIMR admissions. After browsing the information of Mr. Mer's laboratory, as well as seeing the enrollment criteria of "put quality before quantity". I thought CIMR is a real research institute and laboratory where I want to. In fact, this is indeed the case.   For someone, science is maybe a work. However, it is an unexpected fortune for me.  Besides, it is amazing for "use the brain to study the brain". Imaging decades later, I hope that I will still be doing really groundbreaking work. Pushing the boundaries of my own capabilities, the boundaries of human cognition.