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Whole transcriptome data analysis – Course and Conference Office

EMBL Course

Whole transcriptome data analysis

Overview

Course overview

This course will teach biological researchers how to analyse biological data sets using open-source software. Most of the analysis will be performed with docker4seq and rCASC packages, which were developed to facilitate the use of computing demanding applications in the field of NGS data analysis. Docker4seq and rCASC packages use docker containers that embed demanding computing tasks (e.g. short reads mapping) into isolated containers.

This approach provides multiple advantages: the user does not need to install all the software on its local server, the results generated by different containers can be organised in pipelines, and reproducible research is guarantee by the possibility of sharing the docker images used for the analysis.

Computers for hands-on exercises will be provided along with demo data sets.

Audience

This course was developed for biological researchers as the intended audience. Basic knowledge of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) is desirable, however R-coding skills and deep knowledge of statistics are not necessary.

What past participants say about the course

This course has been an incredibly enriching and valuable experience for me, providing comprehensive knowledge, practical methodologies, and invaluable networking opportunities. The instructors’ expertise and the hands-on approach made the learning process engaging and enjoyable. The interactive sessions allowed us to apply what we learned to real-world scenarios. Also, meeting fellow participants from diverse backgrounds and sharing ideas was inspiring. The networking opportunity created a collaborative and supportive environment, fostering future collaborations. I am grateful to the EMBL team for organizing this exceptional course. The high-quality organization, knowledgeable instructors, and dedicated staff made it an outstanding learning environment. Thank you for providing this excellent learning opportunity.” – Oana Baldasici, The Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta” Cluj — Napoca, Romania

This course has orientated me in the world of bioinformatics, and has given me the tools to find a path through my data analysis. It has also given me a group of friends to call when I have problems along the way. I wish I could do it again!” — Alysha Burrows, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

Please see EMBL’s COVID-19 safety recommendations for testing and other requirements to attend this on-site course.

Speakers, trainers and staff

Luca Alessadri

University of Turin

Italy

Marco Beccuti

University of Turin

Italy

Vladimir Benes

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Raffaele Calogero

University of Turin

Italy

Francesca Cordero

University of Turin

Italy

Scientific organisers

Marco Beccuti

University of Turin

Italy

Vladimir Benes

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Raffaele Calogero

University of Turin

Italy

Francesca Cordero

University of Turin

Italy

Course Organiser

Inna Bösselmann

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Preliminary programme

Day 1 – Sunday 1 June 2025
Time (Berlin/Europe)SpeakerLocation
14:00-14:30Welcome and course overview
Vladimir Benes – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Inna Bösselmann – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
ISG Hotel meeting room Weimar/Dessau
14:30-15:00Participants flash talksISG Hotel meeting room Weimar/Dessau
15:00-16:00RNA-seq, cool but is it that simple?
Vladimir Benes – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
ISG Hotel meeting room Weimar/Dessau
16:00-16:30Coffee BreakISG Hotel meeting room Weimar/Dessau
16:30-18:00RNA-seq, cool but is it that simple?
Vladimir Benes – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
ISG Hotel meeting room Weimar/Dessau
18:00-19:00DinnerISG Hotel beer garden
Day 2 – Monday 2 June 2025
Time (Berlin/Europe)SpeakerLocation
08:40Bus from ISG to EMBLISG Hotel entrance
09:00-10:00Docker container and reproducibility
Marco Beccuti – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
10:00-10:30Coffee BreakATC Foyer
10:30-11:00Experimental design bulk RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
11:00-12:00QC bulk RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
12:00-13:00LunchEMBL Canteen
13:00-14:30Counting reads bulk RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero & Marco Beccuti – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
14:30-15:00Coffee BreakATC Foyer
15:00-17:30Counting reads miRNA
Francesca Cordero – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
17:30 – 18:30Social programme: Facility tour
18:30-19:30DinnerEMBL Canteen
19:45Bus to ISG HotelATC Entrance
Day 3 – Tuesday 3 June 2025
Time (Berlin/Europe)SpeakerLocation
08:40Bus from ISG to EMBLISG Hotel entrance
09:00-10:30PCA a linear dimensionality reduction method
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
10:30-11:00Coffee BreakATC Foyer
11:00-12:30Differential expression analysis for bulk RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
12:30-13:30LunchEMBL Canteen
13:30-14:30Differential expression analysis for multiple groups: ANOVA-like
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin
Computer Training Lab
14:30-16:00Visualising differentially expressed data (Heat maps)
Raffaele Calogero & Marco Beccuti– University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
16:00-16:30Coffee BreakATC Foyer
16:30-18:00Mining differential expression results for bulk RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
18:00-19:00Pizza dinner in the Rooftop LoungeRooftop lounge
19:00Bus to ISG HotelATC Entrance
Day 4 – Wednesday 4 June 2025
Time (Berlin/Europe)SpeakerLocation
08:40Bus from ISG to EMBLISG Hotel entrance
09:00-10:00Exercises on Mining differential expression results for bulk RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
10:00-11:00Experimental design scRNAseq
Counting reads single cells RNAseq

Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
11:00-11:30Coffee BreakATC Foyer
11:30-12:30QC single cells RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
12:30-13:30Lunch and group photoEMBL Canteen
13:30-15:00Non linear dimensionality reduction for single cell RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin
Computer Training Lab
15:00-16:00Sub-population discovery in single cell RNAseq: clustering
Raffaele Calogero & Marco Beccuti – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
16:00-16:30Coffee BreakATC Foyer
16:30-18:00Annotating cell types after sub-population discovery
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
18:00Bus to ISG from EMBL ATC (20 minutes at ISG hotel to drop things)ATC Entrance
18:30Bus from ISG to NeckarmünzplatzISG Hotel
19:00Downtown dinnerOskars
Day 5 – Thursday 5 June 2025
Time (Berlin/Europe)SpeakerLocation
08:40Bus from ISG to EMBLISG Hotel entrance
09:00-10:00scRNA data integration
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Marco Beccuti – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
10:00-11:00ExercisesComputer Training Lab
11:00-11:30Coffee BreakATC Foyer
11:30-12:30Individual exercises on bulk RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Marco Beccuti – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
12:30-13:30LunchEMBL Canteen
13:30-16:00Individual exercises on bulk RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Marco Beccuti – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
16:00-16:30Coffee BreakATC Foyer
16:30-17:30Individual exercises on bulk RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Marco Beccuti – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
17:30-18:30Individual exercises on bulk RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Marco Beccuti – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
18:30-19:30DinnerEMBL Canteen
19:30Bus to ISG HotelATC Entrance
Day 6 – Friday 6 June 2025
Time
(Berlin/Europe)
SpeakerLocation
08:40Bus from ISG to EMBLISG Hotel entrance
09:00-11:00Individual exercises on single cell RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Marco Beccuti – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
11:00-11:30Coffee BreakATC Foyer
11:30-12:30Individual exercises on single cell RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Marco Beccuti – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
12:30-13:30LunchEMBL Canteen
13:30-16:00Individual exercises on single cell RNAseq
Raffaele Calogero – University of Turin, Italy
Marco Beccuti – University of Turin, Italy
Computer Training Lab
16:00-16:20Final remarks
Vladimir Benes, Raffaele Calogero, Marco Beccuti
Computer Training Lab
16:30Bus to Heidelberg train stationATC Entrance

Practical information

Registration fees and motivation letter

The course is limited to 28 participants. For selection purposes, please note that your application will not be considered without a letter of motivation.

Registration

Registration fees include admission, course materials, meals and coffee breaks. Participants are expected to book and pay their own accommodation and travel expenses. 

Academia€750
PhD Student€750
Industry€1200

A letter to support your visa application will be issued, on request, once payment of the registration fee is confirmed. We recommend that you book your visa appointment as soon as possible, to avoid any delay with your visa application.

Confirmation and payment

The registration fee should be paid only after acceptance to the course. The results will be announced approximately 2-3 weeks after the application deadline.

Motivation letter submission

After you have logged in and successfully registered, you will receive an email asking you to submit your motivation letter. Click on the link provided and enter your motivation letter in the text box provided. Alternatively you can submit your motivation letter by clicking on the link on the confirmation page directly after registering.

Instructions

  1. Include your relevant skills, experience and qualifications showing why you would be suitable for the course.
  2. Explain why you would like to attend, including what you can contribute and how you think you will benefit from the course.

Please note:

  • The limit of 2000 characters refers to manually typed text and excludes spaces. If an error occurs try using a different web browser (preferably Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox).
  • If you copy-paste the text into the form, hidden formatting might still be included which may cause the text to exceed the 2,000 character limit resulting in an error message. We recommend you clear all formatting before pasting in the text.
  • If you have special symbols in your text, make sure you are using Unicode characters, otherwise these will not be recognised.

For detailed instructions, please watch our video on how to submit a course motivation letter.

Further details

For further information about registration and motivation letter submission please refer to the FAQ page.

Financial assistance

Financial assistance

Limited financial assistance is provided by the EMBL Advanced Training Centre Corporate Partnership Programme and EMBO in the form of registration fee waivers, travel grants and childcare grants

Your place in the meeting is only confirmed by paying the registration fee, which is mandatory even when receiving a fee waiver.

Registration fee waiver

The fee waiver will cover the registration sum that you have paid to attend the course.

Travel grant

The travel grant will cover the cost of travel (airfare, train, bus, taxi, accommodation, visa, and/or registration fees*) and is provided up to specified caps which are normally as follows:

– up to €400 for participants travelling to an EMBL Course within Europe.

– up to €1000 for participants travelling to an EMBL Course from outside Europe.

– up to €500 for any participant travelling to an EMBO Practical Course.

– up to €1000 for any participant working in Chile, India, Singapore or Taiwan travelling to an EMBO Practical Course.

– up to €700 for any participant working in Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovenia, and Turkey travelling to an EMBO Practical Course.

*Registration fees are only covered for EMBO Practical Courses

The organisers may reduce the grant cap to accommodate more participants. Recipients will be notified of their travel cap amount when they are informed of the outcome of their application. Original receipts must be provided with your signature for all costs incurred within two months of completion of travel. Scanned copies cannot be accepted.

Childcare grant

There is the possibility to apply for a childcare grant to offset child care costs incurred by participants, speakers, trainers and organisers when attending a course. Eligible costs include (but are not limited to) fees for a babysitter or child-care facility and travel costs for a caregiver. Please note that priority will be given to early-stage researchers. There is a limited amount of funding available for the childcare grants and funds will be distributed amongst eligible applicants.

Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds travel grant

Applies to selected courses only. Availability will be indicated during the motivation letter submission process.

This grant covers costs related to your attendance at the course (registration, travel and accommodation costs). The grant is restricted to PhD students and postdocs who conduct basic biomedical research.

Whether you are eligible to apply for a travel grant, depends on when you received your university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur, A-Levels, High School Diploma, Final State Examination):

– for PhD and MD students, as well as graduates, the university entrance qualification must not have been obtained more than 11 years ago at the time of the envisaged course

– for postdocs, the university entrance qualification must not have been obtained more than 13 years ago at the time of the envisaged course

Application

You may apply for financial assistance when submitting your motivation letter for courses. In your application, you will be asked to answer questions regarding why your lab cannot fund your attendance and how your attendance will make a difference to your career. Application for financial support will not affect the outcome of your registration application.

For the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds Travel Grant, there is a pre-application question during the motivation letter submission process, and if selected you will be requested to complete a standard form and documentation consisting of your travel expense estimation.

Selection

The scientific organisers will select the recipients of registration fee waivers and travel grants during the motivation letter or abstract selection process. Results will be announced approximately 6 – 8 weeks before the event start date, however for some events this may be delayed. Selection results do not impact your admission to the meeting. Selection for registration fee waivers and travel grants is based on scientific merit, your current work or study location, the reasons for needing financial support, and the impact this event will have on your career.

Childcare grants will be allocated in the same timeframe (6-8 weeks before the event start date). Please note that priority will be given to early-stage researchers.

Reimbursement

Costs will be reimbursed after the meeting only once a reimbursement form and original receipts (from travel costs) have been received.

Further details

See our list of external funding opportunities and for further information about financial assistance please refer to the FAQ page.

Accommodation and travel

Travel information

For travel information, please see here.

If you are travelling to the conference within Germany then you are eligible for the Deutsche Bahn ‘Event Ticket’ (called the ‘Veranstaltungsticket’ in German). This will result in a lower ticket price if your travel distance to Heidelberg is more than 100 km. You need to provide proof of your event attendance when purchasing the ticket.

For more information in English see here or in German see here.

You can book your ticket here.

Hotel

Accommodation is not included in the registration fee. Participants are expected to book and pay for their own accommodation. A mix of single and twin rooms have been reserved for 6 nights from Saturday 31 May – Friday 6 June at the ISG Hotel

Single rooms are limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis. After the selection process, selected participants should contact the hotel directly to make a booking with a booking code (code of your course e.g. DAT25-01) by the deadline of Wednesday 30 April 2025. We recommend that all course participants stay in the dedicated hotel for the course.

Local transport

Shuttle buses will go from the ISG Hotel to EMBL and back, mornings and evenings. A bus schedule and location of the bus stops will be made available prior to the meeting.

Further details

Address: EMBL Heidelberg, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

For more information about accommodation and travel, please refer to the FAQ page.

On-site information

Catering

All meals and coffee breaks are included in the registration fee. Our catering staff will prepare a wide variety of vegetarian meals, meat and fish dishes, soups, pasta, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as a variety of desserts.

Please wear your badge at all times when serving yourself.

No food or drinks are allowed in the laboratories.

Electricity and charging station

In most places the electricity is 220 volts AC (50 cycles). An adaptor and a plug that fits the German socket may be needed for your appliances/laptop (i.e. American, Japanese, etc.). A USB charging station for electronic devices is available at the registration desk.

EMBL Merchandise

If you are interested in purchasing EMBL merchandise (products presented in the glass display in the registration area), please email the EMBL shop to place an order or get in contact with your Course Organiser.

Kindly note the EMBL shop is only open upon request and all purchases must be made in cash (Euros only).

Health and safety notes

Please read EMBL’s COVID-19 safety policy for on-site events.
Do not smoke in any EMBL building.
Eating and drinking is prohibited in all laboratories.
Do not enter any restricted areas or the laboratories unless instructed to do so.

If first aid is required …

  • The first aid room is located next to the ATC Registration Desk (room 10- 205).
  • Dial the Emergency number 222 from any EMBL internal phone only.
  • Where is the accident? What happened? How many injured?
  • Emergency number 06221-387 7821 from mobile phones.
  • Please report all accidents to the conference officer at the registration desk.

In case of fire …

  • Press the nearest fire alarm button or the Emergency number 222 from any internal phone.
  • A loud fire alarm will go off if an evacuation is required. On hearing the alarm leave the building immediately following the escape route and fire wardens and head to one of the meeting points
  • Do not use the lifts.

Beyond first aid…

Please remember to bring your own medication, if needed, to the conference. Note that the next pharmacy is a 4-minute drive from the EMBL, but for many medications you will be required to see a doctor to get a prescription.

Ensure in advance that your medical insurance will cover you during your visit in the event that you do need to see a doctor while in Heidelberg. In any case, the EMBL Course and Conference Office will assist you to get to the pharmacy and a doctor of your choice if necessary.

Internet

Wi-Fi is available on campus. Log in using the EMBL-Events network and the event specific password, which will be provided on site. The eduroam network (secure, worldwide roaming access service developed for the international research and education community) is also available.

Lost and found

‘’Lost and Found’’ items are kept at the registration desk until the end of the conference.

Luggage

There are lockers available on-site to store your luggage, which require a 2 EURO coin to operate. There is another luggage room on level E0, which is free to use but remains unlocked during the conference.

Nursing room

There is a nursing room available in the ATC Rooftop Lounge on level A29.

Photography

During the conference, an EMBL Photographer may be taking photos. If you would not like to appear in these, please inform the photographer or a member of the Course and Conference Office.

Printing

We can help to print your boarding pass/train ticket. Please send it to events@embl.de and collect your print-outs at the registration desk.

Room for prayer, yoga, and meditation

There is a room for prayer, meditation, and yoga located on level E0 behind the Auditorium. Please be respectful of others using the room.

Sightseeing

A variety of activities in Heidelberg can be found on the website of Heidelberg Marketing.

Travel to and from the venue

During the event, we provide conference shuttle buses to and from EMBL. In addition, there is the public bus 39A that serves the EMBL campus and taxis can be easily booked at any time. Information on the shuttle buses can be found on the individual event website and more detailed information on travelling to EMBL can be found on our Travel Information page.

Additional information

Address: EMBL Heidelberg, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

Please find additional information including FAQs, terms and conditions, COVID-19 safety policy and travelling to EMBL on our Information for Participants page.

Technical requirements and event software

Technical requirements

Below you will find the software and technical requirements for this course.

  • Participants need to bring their own laptops, which will be used to remotely access EMBL virtual machines with pre-installed software.
  • You will need admin rights to install the software required to access the virtual machines. If you do not have admin rights, please contact your technical support team in advance to make sure the software can be installed.
  • If you have a non-standard HDMI port (other than type A), you need to bring an adaptor.
  • Keyboard and PC mouse are available for use with a standard USB port. If you have a different port type, such as USB-C, you will need to bring your own.

Event software

The EMBL eCampus learning platform will be used to collaborate, communicate and network with all of the course participants. All participants will receive information on how to join shortly before the course. We recommend using Chrome, Safari or Mozilla Firefox browsers for eCampus. 

Additional information

Please find additional information including FAQs, terms and conditions, COVID-19 safety policy and travelling to EMBL on our Information for Participants page.

Sponsors

Sponsorship opportunities

We offer a variety of event sponsoring possibilities, with the flexibility to select a set sponsorship package or combine individual sponsorship options to suit your event budget. Discounts are available for companies sponsoring multiple events at EMBL Heidelberg. View other events, or contact sponsorship@embl.de for further information.

If you are interested in becoming a media partner of this event, please visit our media partnerships webpage.

Warning

EMBL wishes to warn sponsors of EMBL conferences and courses of fraudulent schemes purporting to offer sponsorship opportunities on behalf of EMBL or affiliated with EMBL officials. One current scam campaign of which we are aware is conducted using the name ‘Judy Eastman’ (judy@gopcontact.a2hosted.com) and entails approaches to sponsors offering sponsorship opportunities on EMBL’s behalf. Please be kindly advised that all relevant communication regarding sponsorship of EMBL conferences, symposia and courses is handled by EMBL directly and is sent from an official EMBL account. EMBL does not work with any external providers on sponsorship acquisition.

Please also note that:

  • EMBL never provides attendee lists for purchase. Any offers of such are fraudulent.
  • EMBL will never call or email you to ask for your credit card details or to request a payment.
  • All payments are on invoice.

Suspicious communications purportedly from, for or on behalf of EMBL should be reported to EMBL at the following email address sponsorship@embl.de.

Media kit

Want to let others know you’re attending this event? Take a look at our shareable media and feel free to use them in your social media channels or presentations.

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Date: 1 - 6 Jun 2025

Location: EMBL Heidelberg

Venue: EMBL Advanced Training Centre


Deadline(s):

Application: 27 Feb 2025


Organisers:

  • Marco Beccuti
    UNIVERSITY OF TURIN, ITALY

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