The Institutes for Translational Medicine (ITM) is a new research facility that falls directly under the central administration of Soochow University. Its mission is to accelerate the advancements in strategies for patient care and healthy improvement through bridging strong university-wide foundation in basic research with clinicians, patients, and the pharmaceutical industry. By soliciting expertise in various research enterprises across all campuses of Soochow University and affiliated hospitals, the ITM strives for excellence in translating discoveries from basic research in immunology, stem cells, and cancer into prophylactically and therapeutically novel strategies and new products. In addition, by developing close ties with the Suzhou Municipal Government and Jiangsu Provincial Government, the ITM is expected to contribute to meeting the social needs and prosperity rising locally and nationally.
The ITM will focus on therapeutically unmet diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, tumors, and metabolic diseases. Four research platforms will be established to help accomplish the mission of the ITM: stem cells and regenerative medicine, immunological treatment strategies, novel diagnostic techniques, and targeted and personalized medicine.
The ITM will recruit the best international talents to build a world class and innovative translational research team. It already houses two distinguished professors, who hold such titles as expert from the Recruitment Program of "1000 Talents", Chief Scientist of the “973” Program, and National Distinguished Professor. These experts have successfully executed numerous national projects, such as the National Program on Key Basic Research Project of China (“973” Program). The current scientists on board have publications in various top academic journals, such as Nature, Science, Nature Medicine, Nature Immunology, and Cell Stem Cell. They are also active on the international stage by delivering plenary speeches at major international meetings and undertaking such responsibilities as Editor-in-Chief, Receiving Editor, and Associate Editor for Cell Death and Disease, Oncogene, and Cell Death & Differentiation. They also have been inducted to the Editorial Boards of several international journals.
With the unique resources of Soochow University and the social and economic culture of Suzhou, the Institute for Translational Medicine is well positioned to achieve its mission and to become an internationally known translational biomedical research institution.