Organized by:

Junbiao Dai, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, CAAS

Yingxin Ma, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, CAS

Daniel Schindler, University of Heidelberg

Xiaowo Wang, Tsinghua University

COURSE DESCRIPTION

See the roll of honor - who's taken the course in the past

Synthetic Biology represents the cutting edge of Biotechnology, encompassing a multidisciplinary domain that integrates concepts from biology, engineering, and computer science to craft and develop biological systems or organisms with innovative functionalities.

This course is designed for entry-level students interested in synthetic biology and biotechnology. The goal is to enable students to understand the basic concept and techniques, to follow the frontiers of current researches, and to explore future directions in Synthetic Biology. The centerpiece of the course is an immersive laboratory experience in which students work in teams to learn the practical and theoretical underpinnings of synthetic biology research.

Laboratory modules cover the following areas:

• DNA assembly technologies and their applications on construction of metabolic pathways  

• Modeling gene expression using ordinary differential equations 

• DNA Assembly and Design of Expression Cassettes

• CRISPR technologies for genome editing and gene regulation

Students will grasp fundamental synthetic biology concepts and techniques throughout the course, engaging in tailored practical experiments covering various facets of synthetic biology. They will have the opportunity to closely interact with a panel of globally renowned speakers who will collectively offer a comprehensive insight into synthetic biology applications, spanning areas such as chemical production, therapeutics, cutting-edge techniques, protein design, and more.

2026 FACULTY ROSTER

Patrick Yizhi Cai,Unversity of Manchester

Junbiao Dai, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, CAAS

Yixin Huo, Northeast University

Zhuobin Liang, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory

Yingxin Ma, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, CAS

Daniel Schindler, University of Heidelberg

Fei Sun, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Uriel Urquiza-Garcia, University of Düsseldorf

Xiaowo Wang, Tsinghua University

Yu Zhao, Westlake University

And more...

2026 PRICING (INCLUDING TUITION, BOARD AND LODGING): 1400 USD / 10000 CNY

No payment is due until the selection decisions are made, but any applicant requiring financial support (i.e. stipends) should make that request in written form during the online application. The admissions process is need-blind, your financial situation will not be considered before admission decisions are made. 

2026 SSIC × CSHA "Synthesizing the Future" Youth Innovation Award

Biotechnology is reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace. Jointly launched by the Shanghai SynBio Innovation Center (SSIC) and Cold Spring Harbor Asia (CSHA), this award honors young scientists who demonstrate exceptional innovation in synthetic biology and its interdisciplinary frontiers. We seek more than just academic publishers; we are looking for inventors of technology and shapers of the future—pioneers who possess the potential to translate complex biotechnology from the laboratory into impact on human wellbeing, transforming the world through bio-engineering while creating significant economic value. 

Detail & Application: ssiccshasynthesizingthefutureyouthinnovationaward.pdf

Please send your application to both [email protected] and [email protected] with the title 'SSIC-CSHA Youth Innovation Award'.

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