To push the field of computational oncology in India, Pharam Hansa Center for Computational Oncology (PHCCO) aims to train the young generation (undergrade students) by conducting immersive summer school (extended over 5-7 weeks between May-July) every year.
The first three weeks of Summer School involves learning fundamental concepts of biology, mathematics and system biology, and training in tools required in the computational oncology research area. From fourth week onwards, small groups of students are asked to identify a research question and justify their hypothesis with a strong literature backing. Students are then expected to work on their hypothesis and present preliminary results and submit a report by the end of the Summer School. Meanwhile, several research talks are given by faculty members and PhD students to the summer school attendees to get a wholesome exposure to the diverse areas of research in computational oncology.
In coursework we cover the following topics:
- Biology: Introduction to biomolecules and cellular biology, how to read biology research articles, cancer biology, hallmarks of cancer
- Mathematics – Linear algebra, finding roots of an equation, numerical methods to solve systems of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs), non-linear dynamics (stability, bifurcations), probability and statistics
- Systems Biology: Introduction to modelling, network motifs, graph theory-based approach to analysis complex regulatory networks, modelling population dynamics, parameter inference and estimation from literature
In hands-on training sessions we cover following topics:
- Bioinformatics: Fundamental of RNA sequencing, pre-processing, differential expressed genes analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analyses (GSEA), Survival analyses, EMT scoring, Bulk and single cell RNA sequencing
- Modelling: ODE and Boolean modelling of biological networks, agent-based modelling, parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis
At the conclusion of the training program, the trainees are expected to achieve the following:
▪ A solid grasp of fundamentals in dynamical systems biology, cancer biology, and computational biology.
▪ An exposure to interdisciplinary approaches at intersection of mathematics and many biological systems (cell & molecular biology, oncology etc.)
▪ An opportunity to contribute to long-term research projects at cutting-edge areas in mathematical oncology
A certificate of completion shall be provided to you on successful completion of the program and submitting the mentioned report.
Summer School 2025
Summer School 2025 will take place at Indian Institute of Science from June 2 – July 11, 2025. Its application is now open and can be accessed with the following link: https://t.co/gDuV35EyhJ
Potential candidates must fill out the application on/before January 31, 2025. The selection of candidates will be based on detailed evaluation of the information provided in the application form