C. elegans: from genome editing to imaging

Overview

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Course overview

C. elegans is a widely used model organism in genomics, cell biology, neurobiology, and evolution, known for its fully sequenced genome, completely mapped cell lineage, and powerful experimental tools like advanced genetics and imaging. Continuous advancements in techniques, such as genome engineering and high-resolution imaging, further enhance its utility for various disciplines. However, cutting-edge methods are often inaccessible even in established labs.

This course provides essential training for early-career researchers entering these dynamic fields and specialists seeking to expand their expertise. Through hands-on practicals, participants gain valuable experience in conducting experiments, while lectures and discussions with leading faculty highlight how these technologies address key scientific questions.

The topics of the lectures include genome organisation, cell division, development, tissue function, physiology, evolution, and environmental interactions. Practical sessions range from basic techniques, including handling, staging, and maintenance, to advanced and specialised techniques in genome editing, sample preparation, imaging, and image analysis, incorporating new methods like microfluidics-based high-throughput microscopy and analysis techniques, including AI-driven segmentation and spot detection. This course offers a stimulating learning experience, empowering researchers to fully leverage C. elegans in advancing their scientific work.

Audience

This practical course is aimed at early career scientists, mostly postdocs and advanced graduate students with an interest in C. elegans. You are welcome to join if you have little or no prior experience in working with C. elegans and want to use this model organism to advance your research, but also if you are an experienced C. elegans researcher who wants to expand their tool set. The course will cover state-of-the-art techniques that are – or will become – essential for a broad range of research topics.

What past participants say about the course

“This course is fantastic! If you want to start working with C. elegans, this course will give youan amazing overview of what you will be able to do with this elegant worm. The trainers andspeakers are extremely motivated and helpful. You will be picked up at whatever level you maycurrently be and they do their best to teach the key steps of all the important techniques. The other attendees were also super nice and helpful and I hope that the contacts gained from this course will develop into long-lasting collaborators and friends. I can absolutely recommend this course!” — Martin Vogel, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Germany

“This course was everything I had hoped and more. I have come away from it feeling like an allround better scientist, with new techniques, new ideas, and new friends! The organisers created a wonderful environment to learn and network.” — Charlie Collingham, University of Reading, UK

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 conferences, or contact sponsorship@embl.org. for further information.

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