Immunology & Cancer (IC) track

CIIL: Center of Immunity and Infection Lausanne-­Epalinges. At the north terminus of the M2 metro line (Croisettes).

© Fondation ISREC

Under one roof : Department of Immunobiology, CHUV Research labs and Department of Oncology

• About 300 scientists
• More than 40 research groups
• International and dynamic atmosphere
• Seminars and lectures by world-leading scientists
• State-of-the-art equipment and core facilities

Open since 2019: Agora translational cancer research center (on the hospital site / CHUV-Bugnon) with an additional 300 scientists and clinicians.

At the end of the course the students will be able to:

• Mobilise theoretical and practical knowledge in immunology and oncology.
• Systematically analyse fundamental and clinical problems in immunology and cancer biology, including diseases related to the immune system or cell transformation, drug development and treatments.
• Apply modern research techniques in immunology and oncology to solve cutting edge research questions.

1^st Semester: Overview of basic concepts as well as in depth lectures

Immunology (12h):

• Innate immunity by Prof. W.Held
• Adaptive immunity by Prof. S.Luther

  Biology of Cancer (12h):

• Clinical aspects by Prof. N. Rufer
• Molecular aspects by Prof. F. Martinon

First-step research projects : A wide and diverse choice of laboratories (List of host labs)

2^nd Semester:  Lectures

• In-depth coverage of selected aspects of immunology and cancer
• Focus on autoimmune diseases, infections and vaccines
• Another focus on cancer types and cancer therapies
• Drug development in oncology

  Practical work :

Molecular and cellular biology (mass spectrometry and peptide-based cellular assays), whole tissue analysis (advanced flow cytometry and virtual histological analysis), writing and defending a grant proposal for your master thesis project.

For more information, please consult the Plan of Study and detailed Courses schedules.
Listen to what a past student had to say about our course.

3^rd Semester: Learn the work at the bench and within a team.

Discover the fascinating world of ‘research’ where you test a novel hypothesis, venture into the unknown and try to expand our current knowledge on that topic. You can find all host laboratories here.

• Critically evaluate scientific articles and experimental data
• Identify biologically relevant questions based on scientific literature
• Plan and conduct meaningful experiments
• Perform data analysis
• Present and discuss experimental data
• Draft a grant proposal, poster and thesis in English
• Work independently as well as in a team
• Manage and conduct a research project

These skills have broad applicability across various professions in your future career.

UNIL PhD program in Cancer and Immunology

Academic career: Basic research, Translational research, Clinical research (in immunology, infectious diseases, vaccinology, cancer), Teaching of biological sciences and biomedical sciences

Non-academic field: Research in the industry, Science Management, Granting agencies, Scientific journals, Regulation agencies, Patents, Clinical trials, Finances/Investment banking

We provide excellent training, inspire a passion for research, and equip you with the best tools for securing an exciting job!