4D Cell Biology: from disease models to Drug Discovery

CIVIS focus area: Health
Open to: Master's

Phd

Postdocs
Field of studies: Medicine and Health

Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Type: Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP)
Course dates: 15 January - 10 July 2026
Apply by: 30 Oktober 2025 Apply now

This Blended Intensive Programme focuses on 4D Cell Biology, exploring the journey from molecular machines and sensors to disease models and their profound impact on therapeutics. It addresses the need for a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge approaches in therapeutic development by combining insights from molecular biology, genetics, disease modelling, and drug development.

The primary objective of this course is to equip master's and PhD students with a comprehensive understanding of state-of-the-art strategies in therapeutic development. This is achieved through a collaborative effort by a team of academics with diverse expertise from multiple CIVIS European universities and African associate members.

The course is structured to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications and real-world insights, featuring an extensive virtual component and a one-week physical mobility to the coordinating university, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spain.

The physical mobility week in Madrid offers a balanced program of teaching activities, visits to advanced research facilities (including bioimaging and preclinical units at Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa), interactions with industry (Association of biotech and pharma companies), and a workshop on drug repurposing with REMEDI4ALL. Social events are planned to foster multicultural interactions and allow participants to explore the local culture, including potential visits to nearby historic towns or Madrid's Royal Collections, and a final Spanish cuisine experience.

Main topics addressed

Fundamentals of 4D Cell Biology: exploring molecular machines, sensors, and the spatio-temporal dynamics of cellular processes.
Biological Systems Architecture: understanding the complexity, design, and basic architecture of biological systems from subcellular to organismal levels.
Advanced Bio-imaging and Microscopy: techniques for studying molecular and cellular dynamics, including advanced light microscopy, intravital microscopy, in vivo imaging, and high-content screening. This includes studying mitochondrial function in vitro and in vivo.
Intercultural Collaboration and Professional Skills: learning and practicing in a multicultural environment, developing presentation skills, and gaining specific and transferable skills for careers in biomedicine.
Disease Modelling:
1. Organoid Technology: Harnessing 3D organoid biosystems for disease modelling, including their use with microfluidic systems for simulating tumor immune microenvironments.
2. In Vivo Model Systems: Basic biology and application of various in vivo models like Drosophila melanogaster, C. elegans, yeast, and zebrafish in biomedical research, including their use in studying aging, protein aggregation, neurodegenerative diseases, and developmental biology.
3. Animal Models: Generation, application, and behavioral phenotyping of transgenic animal models for preclinical analyses, including models for metabolic dysregulation and liver cancer.
4. Cell Culture Models: Monitoring cellular responses from 2D to 3D culture models.
Cellular Mechanisms and Pathologies:
1. Proteostasis and Mitostasis: Examining these processes in the context of age-related diseases.
2. Mitochondrial Dynamics and Mitophagy: Exploring mitochondrial defects and cellular quality control mechanisms.
3. Reactive Oxygen Species: Understanding their sources, localization, regulation, and effects.
4. Metabolic Dysregulation: Investigating animal models of metabolic diseases and liver cancer.
5. Molecular Endocrinology: Discussing current concepts in the field.
6. Receptor Pharmacology: Focusing on Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels.
Therapeutic Development:
1. Drug Design, Discovery, and Preclinical Development: Covering the entire pipeline from initial design to preclinical validation.
2. Computational Approaches: Application of machine learning and artificial intelligence in drug discovery, particularly using natural compounds like essential oils.
3. Drug Repurposing: Systematic approaches and methodologies using platforms like REMEDI4ALL.
4. Industry Perspectives: Insights from the biotech and pharma sectors (e.g., AseBio) on innovation and drug discovery pipelines.

Learning outcomes

By taking this course, students will:

gain expertise in molecular-cellular mechanisms, advanced bio-imaging, and techniques for drug screening, discovery, and repurposing;
explore biodiversity for novel bioactive compounds and relevant screening technologies;
understand cutting-edge approaches to 4D molecular-cell biology and innovative therapeutics development;
gain insights into drug discovery from a Biotech/Pharma perspective through collaboration with ASEBIO;
receive exposure to systematic drug repurposing methodologies via the REMEDI4ALL platform;
learn and practice in a multicultural environment;
understand challenges and approaches in biomedicine and therapeutics;
acquire practical skills in experimental methods for disease diagnosis and monitoring;
engage with modern technologies in biomedical research;
explore hot topics in disease models for novel therapies;
receive mentoring and feedback on presentation skills;
develop specific and transferable skills for careers in biomedicine.

Dates: 15 January - 10 July 2026	Total workload: 160 hours
Format: Blended	ECTS: 6*
Location: Miraflores de la Sierra and Madrid, Spain	Language: English (B2)
Contact: itrougakos@biol.uoa.gr; mikros@pharm.uoa.gr; konstantinos.stamatakis@uam.es

^{*recognition of ECTS depends on your home university}

Physical mobility

The physical mobility section of the BIP includes 40 hours of face-to-face activities spreaded over 5 days - between 6-10 July 2026, in Miraflores de la Sierra and Madrid (Spain).

Day 1: Advanced research infrastructure

Introduction to cutting-edge bioimaging facilities, featuring state-of-the-art microscopy and in vivo imaging platforms essential for studying and understanding physio-pathological processes:

Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa’s Advanced Light Microscopy (facility personnel as instructors):

Objective: to provide participants with hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of advanced microscopy techniques, highlighting their importance in modern biomedical research.

Overview: the Advanced Light Microscopy facility at CBM offers a unique opportunity to explore how advancements in microscopy enable faster and more efficient scientific discoveries. This visit will focus on two key areas: mesoscopy and nanoscopy, demonstrating the capabilities of different microscopy techniques and their biological significance.

Mesoscopy: whole organ visualization is essential for understanding 3D structures, tracking development, and more. Traditional point scanning confocal microscopy faces challenges such as time constraints and photobleaching. Lightsheet microscopy overcomes these issues, providing clearer and faster imaging. Activity: participants will first observe a sample using confocal microscopy. They will then view the same sample under lightsheet microscopy. This comparison will illustrate the advantages and applications of both techniques.
Nanoscopy: resolution is a critical aspect of microscopy. Small structures that cannot be observed with standard confocal microscopy (e.g., spinning disk confocal) can be visualized using STED superresolution microscopy. Activity: participants will compare images obtained from both spinning disk confocal and STED superresolution microscopy. This exercise will highlight how technological advancements enhance the study of minute biological details.

High-Content Screening (HCS): while the facility currently uses fast confocals with specialized software for HCS-like methodologies, there are plans to acquire a full HCS system, such as the Operetta from Revvity, by 2026. This addition will further enhance the facility's capabilities in drug screening.

This visit to the Advanced Light Microscopy facility at CBM will provide participants with invaluable insights into the latest microscopy techniques and their applications in biomedical research. It will foster a deeper understanding of how these advancements contribute to scientific progress and innovation.

Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa’s Preclinical Biomedicine and animal facility (facility personnel as instructors and professors Stamatakis and Reglero)

Objective: to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the preclinical biomedicine services and animal facility at the CBMSO, highlighting the use of advanced imaging technologies.

Overview: the CBMSO Preclinical Biomedicine and Animal Facility offers a comprehensive environment for studying disease models and therapeutic interventions. This visit will focus on key areas, including the animal facility and the preclinical biomedicine service, with special emphasis on the IVIS Spectrum and the IVIM intravital microscope.

Animal Facility: the animal facility at CBMSO is equipped to support a wide range of preclinical studies. Participants will learn about the care, management, and ethical considerations involved in using animal models for biomedical research. Activity: tour the animal facility to understand the infrastructure and protocols in place for maintaining and studying animal models.
Preclinical Biomedicine Service: this service provides essential tools and technologies for preclinical research, enabling the study of disease mechanisms and the evaluation of potential therapies.
IVIS Spectrum: this advanced imaging system allows for non-invasive, real-time monitoring of biological processes in live animals. Participants will learn how the IVIS Spectrum is used to track disease progression, gene expression, and therapeutic responses.
Intravital Microscope: this powerful tool enables the visualization of cellular and molecular processes within live tissues. Participants will gain insights into how the intravital microscope is used to study dynamic biological events in real-time.

The visit to the Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa Preclinical Biomedicine and Animal Facility will provide students with valuable insights into the latest preclinical research techniques and their applications. It will foster a deeper understanding of how these advanced technologies contribute to the development of new therapies and the advancement of biomedical science.

Student project teams meet to prepare their presentations. Meetings and tutoring with professors to address questions and assess project progress.

Day 2: ASEBIO: Spanish innovation and drug discovery

Full-day immersion in the Spanish BioTech environment. Sessions explore different approaches to identifying and developing drugs e.g., cancer treatment, including their screening processes and development pipeline. Visit the facilities of a pharma company[KS1] . Details of the sessions and the visit will be discussed in the February 2025 programmed biomedicine section member meeting.
Student project teams meet to prepare their presentations. Meetings and tutoring with professors to address questions and assess project progress.

Day 3: REMEDi4ALL Platform workshop

Dedicated workshop on systematic drug repurposing using the REMEDi4ALL platform, examining methodologies for identifying and validating new therapeutic applications for existing drugs across various disease contexts. Collaborators of REMEDi work packages 4, 5, and 6, such as Dr. María Laura García Bermejo, will participate in this workshop, to take place at the Cristalera site.
Student project teams meet to prepare their presentations. Meetings and tutoring with professors to address questions and assess project progress.

Day 4: Experimental models

Comprehensive examination of various model systems, featuring visits to research facilities housing C. elegans, D. melanogaster, Zebrafish, and mouse models, with emphasis on their applications in both drug discovery and repurposing.

Sessions and participating professors:

Mitochondrial dynamics, defects, and mitophagy - Laura Formentini, Sara Cogliati, Konstantinos Palikaras
Cell culture and organoid models. From 2D to 3D - Mandeep Kaur, Elisa Carrasco, Riadh Ben Mansour.
Non-animal models for proteostasis, mitostasis, and aging - Margarita Cabrera, Konstantinos Palikaras, Ioannis Trougakos
Animal models in biomedicine - Ana Isabel Rojo Sanchís, Thorsten Schmidt, Konstantinos Stamatakis, Antonios Chatzigeorgiou.
Drug discovery and screening. Databases and models - Emmanuel Mikros, Gerasimos Sykiostis, Alexandru Babes, Rino Ragno.

Discussion of emerging technologies in therapeutic development, including artificial intelligence applications and network medicine approaches, concluding with career perspectives and networking opportunities.

Day 5: Integration and future perspectives

Project presentations from the students (groups of 3), each for a different disease experimental model or advanced technique application. To be evaluated by the attending professors.

Virtual part

The virtual consists of 42 hours of teacher-guided activities spread over 14 weeks (each Thursday) - between 15 January - 30 April 2026. The innovative teaching approach for the virtual component utilizes UAM's Moodle platform, incorporating interactive tools like Genially and Kahoot for engagement and real-time assessment, and Perusall for collaborative learning and discussion. The flipped classroom methodology will also be employed, with students working in groups to study, develop, and present on assigned topics.

January, 15: Ioannis Trougakos (NKUA), Emmanuel Mikros (NKUA), Konstantinos Stamatakis (UAM) - Presentation of the course. Perusall presentation. Student`s group assignment.

January, 22: Sara Cogliati (UAM) - “Techniques for Studying Mitochondrial Function: Bridging In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches”; Riadh Ben Mansour (Sfax U) - “Reactive oxygen species sources, localization, regulation, and effects”.

January, 29: Nicolas Boucherit and Laurent Gorvel (INSERM) - “Organoids and Microfluidic systems for the simulation of the tumor immune microenvironment” - coordinated by Anne Sophie Chretien (AMU).

February, 5: Mandeep Kaur (Wits) - "Harnessing 3D Organoid biosystems for disease modelling and advancing molecular breakthroughs". Students’ group meetings in private virtual rooms and progress supervision.

February, 12: Ioannis Trougakos (NKUA) - "The complexity, design and basic architecture of biological systems: for the subcellular to organismal level". Ana Rojo (UAM) - “Basic biology of the main in vivo model systems currently used in biomedical research”.

February, 19: Margarita Cabrera (UAM) - “Yeast as a model organism for aging and protein aggregates accumulation- related diseases”; Ioannis Trougakos (NKUA) - “Proteostasis, mitostasis and age-related diseases. Studies in Drosophila Melanogaster”.

February, 26: Konstantinos Palikaras (NKUA) - “C. elegans as a model organism for neurodegenerative diseases and mitochondrial dynamics studies“. Student group meetings in private virtual rooms and progress supervision.

March, 5: Thorsten Schmidt (UT) - "Why do we need animal models?", "Behavioral phenotyping of animal models for pre-clinical analyses". Student groups meetings in private virtual rooms and progress supervision.

March, 12: Paola Bovolenta (CBM) - “The zebrafish model in developmental and biomedical studies”. Elisa Carrasco (UAM) - "Monitoring cellular responses over time: from 2D to 3D culture models and in vivo validation in mouse models".

March, 19: Antonios Chatzigeorgiou (NKUA) - “Animal models of metabolic dysregulation”; Esteban Gurzov (ULB) “Investigating metabolic disease and liver cancer in mice”.

March, 26: Konstantinos Stamatakis and Natalia Reglero (UAM) - “Advanced light microscopy for time-resolved molecular and cellular dynamics. “Introduction to intravital microscopy”. “In vivo imaging: model and system selection and applications”.

April, 16: Emmanuel Mikros (NKUA) - “Drug Design, discovery and preclinical development”. Student group meetings in private virtual rooms and progress supervision.

April, 23: Gerasimos Sykiotis (UNIL) - “Current concepts in molecular endocrinology“. Alexandru Babes (UB) - “Pharmacology of natively and heterologously expressed Transient Receptor Potential ion channels”.

April, 30: Rino Ragno (Sapienza) - “Machine learning/ artificial intelligence applied to natural compounds for drug discovery: the case of essential oils”. Students’ group meetings in private virtual rooms and progress supervision.

Assessment

The course evaluation combines continuous online assessment with an evaluation of performance during the physical mobility component.

Course Assessment Methods

The assessment is structured to evaluate students' engagement, understanding of course material, and ability to apply knowledge:

1. Continuous Online Assessment (45% of final grade)

active participation in Perusall discussions (15%) assesses deep engagement with scientific literature and teaching materials, fostering critical thinking and peer-to-peer learning relevant to molecular-cellular mechanisms and advanced bio-imaging;
weekly Kahoot quizzes (20%) evaluate real-time comprehension of material related to drug screening, discovery, and repurposing techniques;
group project development (10%) focuses on applying theoretical knowledge to practical problems and enhances skills in experimental methods and collaborative research.

2. Physical Mobility Evaluation (55% of final grade)

group presentation on a selected research topic (35%) allows students to explore specific areas of interest, develop presentation skills, and receive feedback, contributing to the development of transferable skills for biomedical careers;
face-to-face tutoring for group presentation (15%) - personalized feedback and mentoring help refine understanding and presentation skills;
active participation in physical mobility activities (5%) - engagement with industry professionals and observation of advanced technologies connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, enhancing practical skills.

Students will be evaluated based on:

theoretical understanding: comprehension of molecular mechanisms, cellular processes, disease modeling, and therapeutic development strategies;
technical competency: ability to interpret advanced imaging data, understand model organism applications, and comprehend drug screening methodologies;
analytical skills: critical analysis of scientific literature, connecting molecular mechanisms to therapeutic applications, and evaluating experimental approaches;
professional development: collaborative work in international teams, scientific presentation skills, and integration of interdisciplinary concepts.

The programme is open to Master's and PhD students, as well as postdocs at CIVIS member universities. A Bachelor's degree in life sciences - such as Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Biology, or Medicine, is a prerequisite.

This CIVIS course is a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) - a new format of Erasmus+ mobility which combines online teaching with a short trip to another campus to learn alongside students and professors across Europe.

NB: Visiting Students - Erasmus Funding Eligibility

To be eligible for your selected CIVIS programme, you must be a fully enrolled student at your CIVIS home university at the time you will be undertaking the programme.

This course is also open to students with the same academic profile, who are enrolled at a CIVIS strategic partner university in Africa. Please check here, if you can apply and if this particular course is open to applications from your university. Successful applicants will receive an Erasmus+ grant covering travel and subsistence costs during their stay. Applicants should be willing to extend their stay at the host university for 1-3 weeks for additional research and/or training purposes.

Professors

Konstantinos Stamatakis Andriani (UAM): BIP coordinator and assistant professor - expert in molecular biology, cancer and in vivo imaging. He will lead lectures on imaging techniques and co-present the course;
Ioannis Trougakos (NKUA): BIP co-coordinator and professor - expert in experimental models (Drosophila, C. elegans), aging, and proteostasis. He will teach on biological system complexity and proteostasis/mitostasis in age-related diseases;
Emmanuel Mikros (NKUA): BIP co-coordinator and expert in drug discovery and preclinical development; he will co-present the course and lecture on drug design, discovery, and preclinical development;
Thorsten Schmidt (UT): professor and expert in experimental model systems, he will teach on the generation, application, and behavioral phenotyping of transgenic animal models;
Rino Ragno (SUR): professor with expertise in computational medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, he will lecture on applying machine learning to natural compounds for drug discovery;
Esteban Gurzov (ULB): professor and director of the Signal Transduction and Metabolism Laboratory, he is an expert in metabolic disease and liver cancer, and will teach on investigating these conditions in mice;
Alexandru Babes (UB): professor specializing in pain and temperature receptor pharmacology, he will lecture on the pharmacology of Transient Receptor Potential ion channels;
Gerasimos Sykiotis (UNIL): Associate Professor and expert in molecular endocrinology, he will deliver a lecture on current concepts in this field;
Riadh Ben Mansour (Université de Sfax, Tunisia): assistant professor with expertise in oxidative stress and inflammation, he will teach on reactive oxygen species and contribute to sessions on cell culture and organoid models;
Mandeep Kaur (University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa): professor whose team established 3D organoid cultures from African patient tissues, she will teach on harnessing these biosystems for disease modelling;
Konstantinos Palikaras (NKUA): teaching staff with expertise in neurodegeneration models, he will lecture on C. elegans as a model for neurodegenerative diseases and mitochondrial dynamics;
Antonios Chatzigeorgiou (NKUA): teaching staff and expert in animal models of metabolic dysregulation, he will lecture on this topic;
Elisa Carrasco (UAM): teaching staff with expertise in cellular responses and imaging, she will lecture on monitoring cellular responses from 2D to 3D culture models and in vivo validation;
Laura Formentini (UAM): teaching staff with expertise in molecular biology and metabolism, she will contribute to sessions on mitochondrial dynamics, defects, and mitophagy;
Sara Cogliati (UAM): teaching staff specializing in mitochondrial function, she will lecture on techniques for studying mitochondrial function across in vitro and in vivo approaches;
Natalia Reglero (UAM): teaching staff with expertise in advanced microscopy and in vivo imaging, she will co-teach on these topics and be involved in facility visits;
Ana Isabel Rojo Sanchís (UAM): teaching staff focused on in vivo model systems, she will lecture on the basic biology of the main in vivo models used in biomedical research;
Paola Bovolenta: Director and Researcher at Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, will give an invited lecture on the zebrafish model in developmental and biomedical studies;
Margarita Cabrera (UAM): teaching staff, she will lecture on yeast as a model organism for aging and protein aggregate accumulation-related diseases;
Nicolas Boucherit (Marseille Cancer Research Center; INSERM): research engineer, he will co-deliver a lecture on organoids and microfluidic systems for simulating the tumor immune microenvironment;
Laurent Gorvel (Marseille Cancer Research Center; INSERM): PhD and researcher, he will co-lecture on organoids and microfluidic systems for simulating the tumor immune microenvironment;
Anne-Sophie Chrétien (AMU): maître de conférences and expert in immunology, she coordinates INSERM researchers for a session on organoids and microfluidic systems for simulating the tumor immune microenvironment.

Send your application by filling in the online application form by 30 October 2025, and also including:

CV
Motivation Letter
Level of english (According to CEFR)
Diploma of last graduated level (Bachelor’s/ Master’s)

Applications will be evaluated based on:

1. Academic profile and eligibility:

currently enrolled in a Master's or PhD program, or be a postdoctoral researcher, in a relevant field at a CIVIS member university or a participating partner institution;
possession of a Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline such as Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Biology, or Medicine;
strong academic record demonstrating foundational knowledge relevant to the course content.

2. Motivation and relevance:

a clear and compelling statement of motivation outlining the applicant's specific interest in 4D cell biology, molecular mechanisms, disease models, and therapeutic development;
explanation of how participation in this BIP will benefit their current studies, research, and/or future career goals in biomedicine or related fields;
demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary approaches and international collaboration.

3. Language proficiency:

adequate proficiency in English (the language of instruction), at least at a B2 level or higher, to fully participate in lectures, discussions, and group work.

Apply now

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