Current issues in molecular and precision oncology at the core of BostonGene’s course

About thirty-eight students and graduates participated in the twelve-week course, which commenced on March 11. However, only 23 students actively participated in the course, and upon successfully completing it, received certificates. Throughout the course, discussions revolved around the topics of molecular and cellular biology that are most widely used in medicine today, the achievements in modern personalized oncology, prospective and developing directions of the field, personalized oncology databases, information sources, standards and other topics.

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan emphasized the importance of the cooperation between YSU and BostonGene, noting that the bilateral cooperation is prospective and will be further strengthened and deepened due to ongoing efforts.

"Although our cooperation with BostonGene began not long ago, the outcomes are already visible. It is important for us that our students understand where they can use their professional skills. BostonGene is one of the organizations where our students may find highly paid jobs in the future. Both biology and pharmacy intersect closely with medicine and human life. The topic of the course is relevant since solving cancer-related problems is a daily imperative worldwide," the YSU rector said.

The lectures organized by the initiative of the YSU Alumni and Career Center were conducted by the leading specialists from the Precision Oncology Department at BostonGene. Vyacheslav Senichkin, Candidate of Biological Sciences, who has frequently lectured at YSU, shared his experience and held discussions on various professional topics, noted: "Many people are interested in molecular and precision oncology since it is a complex disease. The course proved that many students wanted to learn more about this topic. YSU students actively participated in the course, and communication was one of our goals from the beginning. During each lecture, we encouraged them to ask questions - difficult questions. This approach allowed us to interact with students at different stages of their learning journey. From this perspective, the participation of the students was remarkable," said the specialist, adding that cooperation with YSU will continue, affirming plans for implementing new projects in the near future.

"Our cooperation with YSU is long-term and prospective We aim for the continuous expansion of our course, involving an even larger number of students. We plan to hold seminars to communicate with people, offering them opportunities to gain new knowledge," emphasized Vyacheslav Senichkin. 

Arthur Manasyan is one of the participants in the "Molecular and Precision Oncology" course. He is a graduate of the YSU Faculty of Biology's "General and Molecular Genetics" master's educational program. 

"I wanted to participate in this course as BostonGene focuses on personalized medicine, particularly personalized cancer medicine. Participation in this course offered us a chance to gain the most detailed and targeted knowledge. It will serve as a basis for acquiring new achievements, skills and tools. I am very satisfied with the course's organization format and structure," emphasized A. Manasyan.

In case of overcoming the interview stage, a maximum of seven students will have the opportunity to work and build their career paths in BostonGene. YSU graduate Elza Kuchukyan is aware of this opportunity and believes the knowledge acquired during the course will be invaluable even for related fields.   

"The course provided a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of molecular oncology. Throughout the course, we discussed many professional topics, got answers to our questions and had the opportunity to communicate with the best specialists of the company. From a career perspective, these courses offer promising prospects as students and graduates are given the opportunity to receive job offers from the company," Elza noted.

Recently, YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan hosted representatives from BostonGene, led by Hayk Hovhannisyan, the company's laboratory director and a member of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. During the meeting, new opportunities to expand cooperation were discussed, such as conducting research studies and developing new educational programs and ideas through joint efforts.