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Imaging down to single-molecule resolution: STED & MINFLUX nanoscopy – Course and Conference Office

EMBL Course

Imaging down to single-molecule resolution: STED & MINFLUX nanoscopy

Overview

Course overview

The aim of the course is to train microscopy users in different super-resolution microscopy methods: Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) and MINFLUX nanoscopy. Both techniques overcome the diffraction limit of light with the help of a donut-shaped laser beam, thereby achieving resolutions that are impossible with conventional light microscopy.
The course combines scientific lectures by experienced researchers from the super-resolution field with hands-on sessions at the different super-resolution microscopes and in the laboratory. Participants will gain a technical understanding of the methods as well as an overview of different application fields and imaging techniques, sample preparation, and data handling for both STED and MINFLUX.

After the course, participants can choose the right approach for their experimental needs and perform their experiments on a STED or MINFLUX microscope.

Audience

Aimed at early-stage researchers (e.g. pre- or post-doctoral level) in the life sciences with access to STED and MINFLUX super-resolution microscopy facilities, and at imaging facility staff involved in training and supporting scientists using STED and MINFLUX super-resolution microscopy. Participants should have an immediate need to apply these techniques. The course will have a strong emphasis on the practical know-how needed to exploit the latest developments in STED and MINFLUX microscopy. It is therefore equally suited to scientists who are already using super-resolution microscopy in their research and to researchers using advanced imaging techniques who wish to improve their practical knowledge.

Modules

  • Theory and applications of STED and MINFLUX microscopy
  • Sample preparation for STED and MINFLUX super-resolution imaging
  • 2D and 3D STED imaging as well as multicolour, live cell, tissue, and fluorescence lifetime STED imaging
  • 2D and 3D MINFLUX imaging
  • MINFLUX tracking
  • STED and MINFLUX microscopy data handling

Learning outcome

At the end of the course, participants will be able to plan an experiment using STED and MINFLUX super-resolution microscopy, prepare their own samples accordingly, acquire images using optimal conditions and settings and analyse them using appropriate methods and tools.

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

Speakers, trainers, and staff

Speakers, trainers, and staff

Stefan Hell

Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry

Germany

Till Stephan

Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences

Germany

Scientific organisers

Clara Gürth

Abberior Instruments

Germany

Ulf Matti

Abberior Instruments

Germany

Julia Menzel

Abberior Instruments

Germany

Course organisers

Swetlana Krez

Scientific Training Officer

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Karoline Wolkersdorfer

Course and Conference Officer

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Programme

Are you on social media? Post using #EMBLSTED_MINFLUX and don’t forget to tag @EMBLEvents.

  • Some speakers may need to join virtually to give their lecture or Q&A, and the programme is subject to change.
Day 1 – Monday 21 October 2024

TimeDescriptionLocation
08:40Bus from ISG to EMBL Imaging CenterISG Hotel
09:00 – 09:30Welcome and house notes (incl safety)Imaging Center Lecture Hall
09:30 – 10:00Course overviewImaging Center Lecture Hall
10:00 – 11:00Lecture 1: Overview of Super-resolution Techniques
Marko Lampe – DKFZ Heidelberg, Germany + Sebastian Schnorrenberg – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Imaging Center Lecture Hall
11:00 – 11:30Coffee BreakImaging Center Lecture Hall
11:30 – 12:15Lecture 2: What limits meiotic crossovers? (remote)
Raphael Mercier – Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Germany
Imaging Center Lecture Hall
12:15 – 13:15LunchCanteen
13:15 – 14:15Introduction round 1Imaging Center Lecture Hall
14:15 – 14:30Coffee breakImaging Center Lecture Hall
14:30 – 15:30Lecture 3: Imaging the molecular processes of cell division across scales
Jan Ellenberg – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Imaging Center Lecture Hall
15:30 – 15:45Coffee breakImaging Center Lecture Hall
15:45 – 16:30Lecture 4: MINFLUX for dynamic structural cell biology (remote)
Jonas Ries University of Vienna, Austria
Imaging Center Lecture Hall
16:30 – 19:00Practical 1Imaging Center Labs
19:00 – 20:00DinnerCanteen
20:00Departure to ISGATC Bus Stop

Day 2 – Tuesday 22 October 2024
TimeDescriptionLocation
08:40Bus from ISG to EMBL Imaging CenterISG Hotel
09:00 – 09:05Overview of the dayImaging Center Lecture Hall
09:05 – 09:50Lecture 5: Unravelling the inner secrets of cells with gene editing and live-cell STED microscopy (remote)
Fran Botanelli – Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
Imaging Center Lecture Hall
09:50 – 10:00Coffee BreakImaging Center Lecture Hall
10:00 – 12:15Introduction round 2Imaging Center Lecture Hall
12:15 – 13:30LunchCanteen
13:30 – 16:00Practical 2Imaging Center Labs
16:00 – 16:30Coffee BreakImaging Center Lecture Hall
16:30 – 19:00Practical 3Imaging Center Labs
19:00 – 20:00DinnerCanteen
20:00Departure to ISGATC Bus Stop
Day 3 – Wednesday 23 October 2024

TimeDescriptionLocation
09:30Bus from ISG to EMBL Imaging CenterISG Hotel
09:45 – 09:50Overview of the dayImaging Center Lecture Hall
09:50 – 10:35Lecture 7: Sharpening the focus: STED microscopy in unveiling the mysteries of mitotic spindles across species
Kruno Vukušić – Ruđer Bošković Institute, Croatia
Imaging Center Lecture Hall
10:35 – 11:15Coffee BreakImaging Center Lecture Hall
11:15 – 12:00Lecture 8: Optimal STED: from archaea to human cells (remote)
Rifka Vlijm – University of Groningen, The Netherlands
Imaging Center Lecture Hall
12:00 – 12:30Lecture 9: Euro-BioImaging ERIC: Opportunities for open access to state-of-the-art imaging expertise and technologies
Marianna Childress-Poli – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Imaging Center Lecture Hall
12:30 – 13:30LunchCanteen
13:30 – 16:00Practical 4Imaging Center Labs
16:00 – 16:30Coffee BreakImaging Center Lecture Hall
16:30 – 19:00Practical 5Imaging Center Labs
19:00 – 20:00DinnerCanteen
20:00Departure to ISGATC Bus Stop

Day 4 – Thursday 24 October 2024
TimeDescriptionLocation
08:40Bus from ISG to EMBL Imaging CenterISG Hotel
09:00 – 09:05Overview of the dayImaging Center Lecture Hall
09:05 – 09:50Lecture 10: A niche within the niche: Connexins at the AIS
Jan Maximilian Janssen – Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria
Imaging Center Lecture Hall
09:50 – 10:00Coffee BreakImaging Center Lecture Hall
10:00 – 12:30Practical 6Imaging Center Labs
12:30 – 13:30LunchCanteen
13:30 – 16:00Practical 7Imaging Center Labs
16:10Departure to Heidelberg downtown via ISG HotelATC Bus stop
17:00 – 21:00Course dinner and bowling downtown at FirebowlHeidelberg downtown

Day 5 – Friday 25 October 2024
TimeDescriptionLocation
08:40Bus from ISG to EMBL Imaging CenterISG Hotel
09:00 – 09:05Overview of the dayImaging Center Lecture Hall
09:05 – 09:50Lecture 11: Charting the nanotopography of inner hair cell ribbon synapses
Rohan Kapoor – Universität Göttingen, Germany
Imaging Center Lecture Hall
09:50 – 10:35Lecture 12: Visualizing bacterial infections at the nanoscale
Alexander Carsten – Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
Imaging Center Lecture Hall
10:35 – 11:00Coffee BreakImaging Center Lecture Hall
11:00 – 11:45Lecture 13: Exploring Photocontrollable Fluorescent Protein for Live-Cell Imaging at the Nanoscale
Francesca Pennacchietti – KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
Imaging Center Lecture Hall
11:45 – 12:30Lecture 14: Investigating the structure and dynamics of mitochondria at the nanoscale
Till Stephan – Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Germany
Imaging Center Lecture Hall
12:30 – 13:20LunchCanteen
13:20 – 13:30Group photoin front of the Imaging Center
13:30 – 14:30Keynote Lecture 15: Molecule-scale resolution and dynamics in fluorescence microscopy
Stefan Hell – Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Germany
Imaging Center Lecture Hall
14:30 – 16:30Practical 8Imaging Center Labs
16:30 – 16:45Coffee BreakImaging Center Lecture Hall
16:45 – 19:15Practical 9Imaging Center Labs
19:15 – 20:00DinnerCanteen
20:00Departure to ISGATC Bus Stop

Day 6 – Saturday 26 October 2024
TimeDescriptionLocation
08:40Bus from ISG to EMBL Imaging CenterISG Hotel
09:00 – 11:30Practical 10Imaging Center Labs
11:30 – 12:30LunchCanteen
12:30 – 15:00Practical 11Imaging Center Labs
15:00 – 16:00Final discussion, feedback round and closing remarksImaging Center Lecture Hall
16:00Bus to Heidelberg train station via Hilton hotelATC Bus Stop

Practical information

Registration fees and motivation letter

The course is limited to 20 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. Participants are expected to book and pay their own accommodation and travel expenses. 

Academia€ 700
PhD Student€ 700
Industry€ 1250

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.

*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

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 (20 – 26 October 2024) at 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: EIC24-01) by the deadline of 23 September 2024. We recommend that all course participants stay in the dedicated hotel for the course.

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.

Local transport

Shuttle buses will go from 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 course, 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.

Event software

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.

COVID-19 related questions

COVID-19 information for on-site events at EMBL Heidelberg can be found in our COVID-19 FAQs.

Sponsors

Media partners

Imaging and Microscopy, a Wiley magazine

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: 21 - 26 Oct 2024

Location: EMBL Heidelberg

Venue: EMBL Advanced Training Centre and EMBL Imaging Centre


Deadline(s):

Application: Closed


Organisers:

  • Clara Gürth
    ABBERIOR INSTRUMENTS, GERMANY
    • Charlotte Kaplan
      BIOQUANT - UNIVERSITÄT HEIDELBERG, GERMANY
      • Marko Lampe
        DKFZ HEIDELBERG, GERMANY

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