The Secrets of Immortality: Stem Cells, Gene Networks, and the Science of Regeneration
Under the mentorship of University of Oxford Professor Aziz Aboobaker (Dean of Lady Margaret Hall and Vice Chair of the Oxford Genomics Supervisory Committee), students explore the frontiers of stem cell regeneration and biological immortality. Utilizing authentic Oxford bioinformatics and functional genomics frameworks, scholars investigate cellular renewal, gene networks, and CRISPR gene-editing therapies—authoring an exceptional, peer-review-grade research thesis.
Program Overview
Rigorous Methodology
Develop advanced data collection and analysis skills under strict academic standards.
Publication Output
Students author their own research manuscript. Journal submission and acceptance are separate steps, not guaranteed outcomes.
Expert Mentorship
Direct feedback and ongoing guidance from scholars active at top global institutions.
Your interests.
Your question. Your paper.
Start with what you want to investigate. Develop your own research question and write your own paper, with professor and TA guidance on methods, evidence and revision. The course theme is a starting point—not a predetermined paper to reproduce.
Applications & feesProgram at a glance
- Who it is for
- Recommended for students in Grades 9–12. University students may also participate.
- Learning format
- Online (Remote)
- Professor instruction
- 10 hours
- TA guidance
- 30 hours
See the dates and teaching schedule for this cohort.
Students work toward their own research manuscript. Journal submission and acceptance are separate steps; publication and university admission are not guaranteed.
✦ Research Overview
This program investigates the remarkable biological mechanisms of planarian flatworms—creatures capable of regenerating complete bodies from tiny tissue fragments thanks to their immortal, pluripotent stem cells called "neoblasts." Moving beyond foundational biology, students explore cutting-edge functional genomics to understand how cellular signaling networks regulate tissue repair. The research offers profound implications for human longevity, cancer suppression, and the future of regenerative medicine and spinal/organ repair.
✦ Key Badges & Tags #StemCellBiology #RegenerativeMedicine #OxfordStemCellLab #FunctionalGenomics #CancerAndAging #PreMedResearch
Course Curriculum
Advanced Studies in Bioinformatics
Led by Aziz Aboobaker
Professor of Comparative and Functional Genomics • University of Oxford
Chair of Functional Genomics at the University of Oxford and Dean of Lady Margaret Hall, Professor Aziz Aboobaker is an internationally celebrated authority on regenerative biology and stem cell genetics. As Vice Chair of the Oxford Genomics Supervisory Committee and Associate Editor of PLOS Genetics, Dr. Aboobaker leads groundbreaking research into how planarian flatworms achieve biological immortality through limitless tissue regeneration. Students mentored by Professor Aboobaker engage directly with high-throughput genomic data, modern CRISPR gene-editing models, and advanced bioinformatics—developing foundational scholarship alongside one of Oxford's premier research supervisors.
Course Description: Molecular Genetics, Genomics, Regenerative Biology, Functional Genomics, Stem Cell Biology, Molecular Basis of Disease, Animal Development Assessment Methods: Recommendation Letter Opportunities, Research Papers
Professor Hours
10 hours
TA Mentoring Hours
30 hours
Schedule
tbd
Program Details
Faculty Mentor
Aziz Aboobaker
Professor of Comparative and Functional Genomics
University of Oxford
Duration
Dec 19, 2026 – Dec 30, 2026
Cohort Capacity
5 Students
Delivery Format
Online (Remote)
Program tuition
$6,000 USD
Tuition is separate from the $50 USD application fee. Ask admissions about payment timing, inclusions and cancellation terms before applying.
Online card charge: ₩68,000 KRW. Covers application review; tuition is separate.
Applications are reviewed for research readiness and fit. A place is confirmed only after an admissions decision.
Application steps and fee informationCancellation and refund policy₩68,000 KRW