Early-careers dive into regenerative medicine in Toronto

The programme gathers early-career researchers from across the globe to foster networks for future collaborations in regenerative medicine.

CUHK is dedicated to empowering early-career researchers by strengthening their research capabilities and global collaborations. In support of this mission, the University actively encourages its PhD students and postdoctoral fellows to engage in overseas research attachments and learning programmes to expand their intellectual horizons and interdisciplinary research perspectives.

From 2 to 11 June 2025, PhD candidate Winnie Yeung and postdoctoral fellow Dr. Maggie Leong from the School of Life Sciences participated in ‘Summer by Design’, a programme hosted by Medicine by Design at the University of Toronto, in collaboration with the Centre for Commercialisation of Regenerative Medicine Foundation, Rotman School of Management, and Stem Cell Network. The programme brought together 25 participants from 14 institutions from Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, the US, and Sweden for a series of training sessions and workshops focused on the commercialisation and translation of regenerative medicine in Toronto.

The intensive programme featured expert-led, interactive sessions, including lectures, group work, and case studies, designed to equip attendees with practical knowledge across the technology translation continuum. Participants explored key topics related to the business of regenerative medicine and engaged directly with clinical and industry leaders in Toronto.

Winnie (3rd right) celebrates being named one of the top scorers in the Scientific Storytelling Competition at the culmination of the programme.

Both Winnie and Maggie believed the experience has significantly sharpened their insights into how innovative research can be translated into patient-centered solutions, while connecting with talented scientists from around the world. Winnie was recognised as one of the top scorers in the Scientific Storytelling Competition at the conclusion of the programme. They look forward to applying the insights and experiences gained to their work to support patients affected by neurodegeneration.

Let’s watch Winnie’s and Maggie’s sharing of their experience: