From July 7 to July 17, 2025, the International Summer School on “Advanced Progress of Biology and Medicine” was successfully held at the School of Life Sciences and Medicine of Harbin Institute of Technology. The event attracted 86 outstanding students from prestigious universities like Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, as well as international institutions in Russia, Mexico, and South Korea. Over the 12-day period, participants engaged in academic exchanges and delved into cutting-edge advancements to address critical issues related to people’s health and well-being.
The summer school boasted one core course, one professional practice course, and five thematic lectures. These were delivered by a group of eight renowned international scholars from institutions such as the University of Turin (Italy), Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Russia), Saint Petersburg State University, the University of Southampton (UK), and Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Germany). These experts provided high-quality, international academic resources for the participants.
Opening Ceremony: Setting the Academic Tone and Conveying the Discipline’s Mission
On the morning of July 7, the opening ceremony took place in Room 11 of Zhengxin Building. Professor Huan Nie, Deputy Director of the School of Life Sciences and Medicine, attended and gave a speech. He systematically introduced the significant achievements of the school in discipline development, scientific innovation, and social services since its establishment. This helped the participants gain a deeper understanding of the school’s history, mission, and responsibilities.
Field Exploration: Immersive Experience of Research Capabilities
In the afternoon, the participants visited the School of Life Sciences and Technology, the Center for Life Sciences, and the School of Medicine and Health. They explored the experimental teaching center, getting detailed information about the functions of various laboratories and advanced equipment. This hands-on experience enhanced their understanding of biological research platforms, laying a solid foundation for their subsequent learning and practice.
Academic Sessions: Diverse Courses and Interactive Discussions
During the academic part of the summer school, three experts from the University of Turin and Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology delivered a core course called “Applications of Biomaterials in Medicine”. The course covered hot topics such as the clinical applications of gene-editing technologies, the latest breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy, stem cell research and regenerative medicine, digital healthcare, and precision medicine. It included in-depth explanations of fundamental theories and forward-looking analyses of industry trends.
In addition to the core course, five lectures were given by distinguished scholars from Saint Petersburg State University, the University of Southampton, and Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. During the seminars, students actively interacted with the experts, discussing topics that matched their research interests.
Innovative Practice: Enhancing Practical Skills and Teamwork
The summer school also organized three research innovation activities in different areas, led by experienced faculty members from the School of Life Sciences and Medicine. Through theoretical explanations, video demonstrations, live experiments, and hands - on practice, students developed practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork experience. These activities sparked the students’ interest in exploring life sciences and taught them how to conduct biological experiments effectively.
Successful Completion: A Journey of Growth and Cultural Exploration
From July 16 to 17, the School of Life Sciences and Medicine arranged a one-day study tour of Harbin. The participants visited HIT’s Aerospace Museum and the university museum, as well as some of Harbin’s iconic landmarks. At the Aerospace Museum, students experienced the allure of aerospace technology and learned about China’s remarkable achievements in space exploration. In the museum, they explored precious exhibits that showed the historical and cultural heritage of the region. The day was both enriching and inspiring, broadening their horizons and providing valuable knowledge.
Closing Remarks
The successful hosting of this international summer school not only provided a platform for global students to explore the frontiers of biology and medicine but also demonstrated the School of Life Sciences and Medicine’s active role in international talent cultivation and academic exchange. In the future, the school will continue to focus on the core needs in life sciences and health, building more high-level international platforms to contribute to the progress of global life sciences and medicine.
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审核：吴婉琼