Towards an International MAster Degree in Cancer Biology

ended

Recent conceptual and technological breakthroughs in biology have caused a revolution in the way biomedical research is approached. Tomorrow researchers have to master complementary technologies, be able to work in interdisciplinary teams and build international collaborative networks. This is especially true for complex diseases like cancer, a leading cause of mortality worldwide and an EU mission area for which an Erasmus Mundi Joint Master Degree is currently lacking. With this consideration in mind that we are proposing steps to solidify existing partnerships and build an Internal MAster Degree in Cancer Biology (MAD4Cancer) involving the University of Pavia (Italy), the University of Montpellier (France) and the Institute for Research in Immunology affiliated with the Université de Montréal (Canada). All three institutions are recognised for their excellence in science, outreaching capacity and ability to engage with private stakeholders. We plan to design a cutting-edge, competitive and international curriculum in cancer, inclusive of a mobility plan and a portfolio of soft skills, which are in high demand in today job market. Local start-ups, biotech companies and a network of hospitals are also available for traineeships and will be further pursued for scholarships to sustain long-term this program. To reach our goal, we built a team of highly motivated people, including academic and administrative personnel, with complementary expertise in research, teaching, dissemination and management who have already engaged in productive exchange. We plan two in person meetings to solidify our proposal and a scientific workshop to foster scientific collaborations. A steering committee with decision power will be established to smoothly organise activities through online meetings. By the end of the 15-month period of this grant, we expect to have established drafts of Partnership and Learning Agreements and have started the accreditation process of the Master Degree