Precision genome engineering

CRISPR
Genetic screens
Genome engineering

Precision genome engineering by CRISPR is game-changing. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020 was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier from Max Planck Unit for the Science of Pathogens and Jennifer Doudna from UC Berkeley for their development of a method for genome editing. The use of CRISPR to knockout or knockin genes precisely has increased explosively in biomedical research and as novel therapeutics.

CRISPR-mediated knockout of target genes has become the standard for loss-of-function studies in mammalian cells and animals. CRISPR-based forward genetic screens and other applications of CRISPR including those in live cell imaging, disease modelling and treatment have brought revolutionary thoughts and enabling tools to various fields across biology and medicine. The CRISPR revolution is not only in the lab but will also be in the clinic. The approval for the first CRISPR gene therapy is pending. However, there is a big gap between the rapid development of CRISPR and its potential applications in the local and the wider region, where it is still much underused. The goal of our course is to fill this gap by educating our young scientists with cutting-edge technologies, providing a forum and platform for discussion and knowledge exchange, promoting wider use of CRISPR, and strengthening our link to the world. Our course will not only introduce state-of-the-art developments but also provide hands-on training.

  • 8 August — 13 August 2025

  • University of Hong Kong

  • HK$5,000 (Includes accommodation)

  • Apply by 1 May 2025

What you'll study

  • State-of-the-art knowledge about CRISPR: introduction to CRISPR, genome-wide CRISPR screens, CRISPR in different models including stem cells and organoids, applications in biology and medicine including treatment of blood diseases and cancer, safety and ethical issues of CRISPR
  • Hands-on training of a CRISPR experiment: design of gRNAs, CRISPR editing analysis, verification of editing, demonstrations on CRISPR library preparation and CRISPR screening

Who is the course for

Postgraduate students and early career researchers

Course directors

Dongyan Jin
Dongyan Jin

Clara and Lawrence Fok Professor in Precision Medicine, University of Hong Kong

Ben Berkhout
Ben Berkhout

Professor, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam

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