
Mingxin ZHANG
Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024
I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Clinical Medicine from University of South China and later obtained a professional master's degree in Surgery from Capital Medical University, under the supervision of Professor Liwei Zhang at Beijing Tiantan Hospital. My master’s research focused on the surgical risk prediction and assessment of brainstem glioma. I chose to pursue my doctoral studies at CIMR for several key reasons. Under the guidance of my mentors, I aim to enhance my clinical skills in skull base and brainstem surgery, thereby laying a solid foundation to become a qualified neurosurgeon. Additionally, I am eager to receive systematic research training to refine my scientific thinking and cultivate the ability to independently design and execute research projects, as well as write academic papers. This comprehensive training will enable me to effectively identify and address clinical challenges through rigorous experimentation in my future studies and clinical practice. During my doctoral studies, I hope to further delve into the surgical risks and outcome assessments of brainstem and thalamic gliomas based on my master’s research, providing more reasonable treatment guidelines for patients and scientific evidence for clinicians in strategizing surgical interventions. Additionally, I plan to explore the integration of brain function imaging with brainstem surgery, utilizing advanced imaging technologies to quantify surgical risks and their impact on neurological function, while researching how to optimize surgical plans based on patients' clinical characteristics and genetic backgrounds. I am also interested in comprehensive strategies for promoting functional recovery and aim to develop personalized rehabilitation plans post-surgery to facilitate complete recovery for patients. In the future, I hope to approach from the perspective of brain function, aiming to accurately identify the risks of postoperative functional impairment based on previous surgical risk assessments, and to take preventive measures for high-risk patients. Moreover, I aspire to develop new technologies to promote functional recovery, further improving the feasibility of surgical treatments for diffuse brainstem and thalamic gliomas. Ten years from now, I envision myself actively engaged in my beloved work as a neurosurgeon at the clinical frontlines while also possessing the potential to become a clinical scientist—integrating research with clinical practice to enhance surgical techniques and advance clinical research.

Jiale ZHANG
Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024
I graduated with a master's degree in clinical medicine from South China University of Technology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of esophageal cancer and lung cancer. I am currently interested in tumor immunology and hope to contribute to the development of tumor immunotherapy in the future.

Hang YUAN
Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024
I graduated with my bachelor's degree from Nanjing Medical University and obtained my master's degree from Sichuan University, focusing on the pathogenesis and translational research of glaucoma. Throughout my graduate studies, I have delved into the immune mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, accumulating a wealth of theoretical knowledge and experimental skills. I was drawn to pursue my doctoral degree at CIMR because of its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration. CIMR offers a conducive academic environment and resources that allow me to engage with outstanding researchers both domestically and internationally. I am particularly interested in research directions such as early diagnostic technologies for neurodegenerative diseases and innovative therapeutic interventions. In the future, I hope to address significant scientific challenges, such as how to effectively prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases and improve the quality of life for patients. I envision myself in ten years playing a crucial role in academia or research institutions, contributing to the advancement of relevant fields and making a tangible impact on human health.

Sen YANG
Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024
I completed my undergraduate studies in Clinical Medicine at Chengdu Medical College and earned my Master's degree in Pediatrics from Harbin Medical University. I have also worked as a pediatrician at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. CIMR s a pioneering R & D institution that emphasizes the integration of clinical and basic research. It focuses on the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and their subsequent clinical translation. CIMR boasts a team of outstanding Principal Investigators (PIs) with expertise in fundamental research and state-of-the-art research platforms. My six years of clinical experience have exposed me to a wide range of challenging cases, particularly in inherited metabolic disorders, post-severe infection sequelae, and refractory childhood leukemia. The limitations in current treatment options and the unclear pathogenic mechanisms of these conditions have fueled my passion for delving deeper into their underlying mechanisms. I aspire to become a pediatrician who excels in both basic and clinical research.

Hang XIAO
Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024
I graduated from Sichuan Agricultural University with a Master's degree in animal infectious diseases. I am interested in the development of host immune response and its regulation during pathogenesis. Chinese Institutes for Medical Research has a good research platform and academic atmosphere, where I can greatly improve my research ability. I hope to discover a new signaling pathway that regulate the intrinsic immune response and provide new targets for immunotherapy.

Xuejiao WANG
Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024
I graduated from Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. For my master's degree, I participated in a joint program between Qinghai Minzu University and Nanjing University. I'm deeply intrigued by diabetes and islet-related mechanisms. My aspiration is to contribute to the optimisation of treatment strategies for diabetic patients through continuous and in-depth study and research. I chose the Chinese Institutes for Medical Research to pursue my PhD because of its strong research atmosphere and rich academic resources. The strong faculty and cutting-edge research projects here convinced me that I can better realise my potential and promote academic development in this environment. I'm interested in exploring how diabetes and pancreatic islets work, especially the relationship between islet cell function and disease. In the future, I aim to address some of the significant scientific questions regarding diabetes, such as its pathogenesis and potential intervention strategies. Looking ahead to the next decade, I aspire to become an outstanding researcher who will make a substantial impact on diabetes research and treatment. I firmly believe that with continuous hard work, I can achieve this goal.
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Yu TONG
Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024
I graduated from China Medical University with a degree in Pharmacy. My research focus was on neuropharmacology, specifically investigating the role and mechanisms of TRP channels in mediating cell death during status epilepticus. Biology is a field as vast and deep as the ocean. Throughout my research, I have been irresistibly drawn to the deeper molecular mechanisms, eager to understand the underlying causes and principles. Chinese Institutes for Medical Research (CIMR), Beijing, a cutting-edge and advanced platform, can elevate my aspirations. This institution is renowned for its outstanding talents, exceptional resources, and thriving ecosystem of research, education, and innovation. Every small step taken each day contributes to a greater cause. If I can dedicate my life to solving a disease that has long plagued humanity, I will consider my life well-lived and fulfilled.
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Bei LIU
Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024
I graduated with a Master's degree from Anhui Medical University, majoring in Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics. During my master's program, I conducted research at the Fifth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, focusing primarily on tumor immunology. Chinese Institutes for Medical Research (CIMR), Beijing, is a newly established research institution that boasts a top-tier faculty and strong clinical collaboration backgrounds, providing an excellent research platform for students. The significance of pursuing a doctoral degree is not to become the brightest star in the sky, but to learn how to use a telescope. The path of scientific research is long and filled with challenges and uncertainties. I hope to stay true to my original aspirations and be able to start anew each day.

Xiang LI
Ph.D. Candidate, Class of 2024
I graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Shandong First Medical University and a Master's degree from Beijing University of Technology. During my master's program, my primary research focus was exploring the connection between redox homeostasis and ferroptosis in breast cancer cells. Since the establishment of CIMR last year, I have been closely following its progress. In January 2024, I enrolled in CIMR's Winter School program. Over the course of seven days, I attended lectures by esteemed medical scientists and physician-scientists who shared their research achievements and life experiences, gaining a deep understanding of CIMR's educational philosophy and graduate training system. In September, I officially became a member of CIMR and embarked on the laboratory rotation phase. After two months of rotation, I have found CIMR to be a dynamic and innovative research institute, boasting a domestically top-tier team of Principal Investigators (PIs), ample research funding, advanced platform facilities, and abundant academic resources. The research directions of the PIs all originate from clinical practical problems, aiming at the clinical translation of research achievements and ultimately alleviating and eliminating patient suffering. As a graduate student, under the guidance of the PIs, I have access to the forefront of research topics, can expand my research direction based on my interests, and receive professional scientific training. Currently, my research interest primarily lies in exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of ferroptosis by phospholipid metabolism in tumor cells, with the hope of developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting phospholipid metabolism and ferroptosis for tumor treatment in the future.

Fuchuan JIA
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!