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Microbial metagenomics: a 360º approach – Course and Conference Office

EMBO Practical Course

Microbial metagenomics: a 360º approach

Overview

Course overview

This course will provide a global overview of the different metagenomic approaches to study microbial communities, covering methods for the functional search of genes, sequencing of metagenomes using the most recent technologies and in silico methods for sequence analysis.

During the course, participants will receive an overview of state-of-the-art genomic technologies and bioinformatic tools. A balanced approach of lectures and practical sessions will provide a general background and the latest advancements in the field as well as its relationship with other disciplines.

The course will begin with experimental training in functional metagenomics by preparing metagenomic libraries for gene searching. Metagenomic DNA will be isolated from soil samples to analyze bacterial diversity in situ by third generation sequencing (Nanopore). Cutting edge single-cell microbial genomics using microfluidics will be addressed.

Additionally, students will learn bioinformatics analysis of metagenomic data
sets, from raw sequences to the application of algorithms. Follow-up practical exercises and sessions to discuss experimental design will allow students to learn and test their knowledge.

In summary, this course will allow participants to work through the entire workflow, from sample preparation to in silico data analysis.

Audience

This course is aimed at advanced PhD students and post-doctoral researchers who are doing or planning to start research in the field of metagenomics.

Modules/resources

  • Experimental design
  • Extraction of metagenomic DNA
  • Construction of metagenomic libraries
  • Single-cell microbial genomics
  • 3rd generation sequencing (Nanopore)
  • Bioinformatic analysis of metagenomic data: data standards and submission, processing of raw data, assembly, functional annotation, overview of databases, retrieval and analysis tools.

Learning outcomes

  • Construct your own metagenomic library
  • Analyse and organise your data
  • Interpret results, explore different databases, use different retrieval and analysis tools
  • Sequence analysis

What past participants say about the course

“This course gave me the opportunity to learn from my coursemates and understand the software used in metagenomics. The speakers were friendly and are always ready to answer our research questions, and provide us with valuable advice and comments.” – Lee Hwei Huih, The University of Hong Kong


This event has been granted the following EMBO sustainability badge:

Grade 1 of 3

Speakers, trainers, and staff

Josefa Antón Botella

University of Alicante

Spain

Vladimir Benes

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Karine Clément

National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm)

France

Giuseppe D’Auria

FISABIO Sequencing and Bioinformatics

Spain

José Eduardo González-Pastor

Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA)

Spain

Patrick Hasenfeld

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Daniel Huson

Tübingen University

Germany

Varsha Kale

EMBL-EBI Hinxton

UK

Kostas Konstantinidis

Georgia Institute of Technology

USA

Arantxa López López

Hospital Can Misses

Spain

Mireia Osuna Lopez

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Hilal Ozgur

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Pierre Padilla

Pierre Padilla

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Chile

Sadaf Pashapour

Sadaf Pashapour

Heidelberg University

Germany

Gabrielle Potocki-Veronese

French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA)

France

Jan Provaznik

EMBL Heidelberg

Germnay

Mariana Reyes Prieto

FISABIO Sequencing and Bioinformatics

Spain

Luis-Miguel Rodriguez-R

University of Innsbruck

Austria

Laura Villacorta

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Kristian Vlahovicek

University of Zagreb

Croatia

Tobias Wenzel

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Chile

(Virtual Speaker)

Scientific organisers

Vladimir Benes

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Giuseppe D’Auria

FISABIO Sequencing and Bioinformatics

Spain

José Eduardo González-Pastor

Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA)

Spain

Elisabeth Zielonka

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Course organisers

Maria Bacadare

Course and Conference Team Lead

EMBL Heidelberg

Germany

Swetlana Krez

Scientific Training Officer

Swetlana Krez

EMBL Heidelberg

Preliminary programme

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  • Some pre-course work (such as watching pre-recordings, protocol reading and computational exercises) with estimated time 0-10 hours will be required and will be shared in advance of the course.
  • Some speakers may need to join virtually to give their lecture or Q&A, and the programme is subject to change.
Day 0 – Monday 24 March 2025
Time (Europe/ Berlin)SpeakerLocation
16:00 – 17:00Overview of pre-course work, introduction to course content on EMBL eCampus and troubleshooting
Giuseppe D’Auria – FISABIO, Spain
Virtual – Zoom meeting
Day 1 – Monday 7 April 2025
Time (Europe/ Berlin)SessionLocation
09:00 – 09:30Welcome, house notes and safetyCourtyard Room A & B
09:30 – 09:45Welcome and Introductions
José Eduardo González Pastor – Center of Astrobiology (CSIC/INTA), Spain   
Courtyard Room A & B
09:45 – 10:45Flash talks participants
2 min per participant  
Courtyard Room A & B
10:45 – 11:00BreakCourtyard Room A & B
11:00 – 12:00Metagenomics: Concepts, historical milestones and next advance
José Eduardo González Pastor – Center of Astrobiology (CSIC/INTA), Spain
Courtyard Room A & B
12:00 – 13:00LunchEMBL Canteen
13:00 – 14:00Metagenomics library preparation for NGS
Vladimir Benes – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Courtyard Room A & B
14:00 – 15:00Group Activity – Challenges and ExpectationsCourtyard Room A & B
15:00 – 16:00The impact of Metagenomics, on genes and genomes discovery
Gabrielle Potock i- Veronese -INRA-LISBP, France
Courtyard Room A & B
16:00 – 16:30BreakCourtyard Room A & B
16:30 – 17:30What brings a metagenomic approach in cardiometabolic and nutrition-related disorders?
Karine Clément – National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm), France
Courtyard Room A & B
17:30 – 20:00Poster Session 1 and pizza dinnerATC Rooftop lounge
20:00Bus to ISG HotelCourtyard Room A & B
Day 2 – Tuesday 8 April 2025
Time (Europe/ Berlin)SessionLocation
09:00 – 10:45Practical: Extraction of metagenomic DNA in groups from soil samples
José Eduardo González Pastor – Center of Astrobiology (CSIC/INTA), Spain
Arantxa Lopez – Hospital Can Misses, Spain
Flex Lab A & B
10:45 – 11:15BreakCourtyard Room A & B
11:15 – 12:45Practical: Quality control of DNA samples (Gel analysis, Qubit assay)
Nanopore 16S PCR set up

Mireia Osuna Lopez – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Hilal Ozgur – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Laura Villacorta – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Flex Lab A & B
12:45 – 13:45LunchEMBL Canteen
13:45 – 14:30Discussion of metagenomic DNA Extraction Results
José Eduardo González Pastor – Center of Astrobiology (CSIC/INTA), Spain
Arantxa Lopez – Hospital Can Misses, Spain
Courtyard Room A & B
14:30 – 15:30Metagenomics and other culture-independent tools to study virus communities
Josefa Antón Botella – University of Alicante, Spain
Courtyard Room A & B
15:30 – 16:45Practical: Nanopore: 16S PCR cleanup, finishing library preparation and starting sequencing run, followed by Genomics Core Facility Tour
Mireia Osuna Lopez – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Hilal Ozgur – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Laura Villacorta – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Flex Lab A & B
16:45 – 17:15BreakCourtyard Room A & B
17:15 – 19:15Practical: Nanopore: 16S analysis/ DNA cleanup and Sequencing start followed by Genomics Core Facility Tour
Mireia Osuna Lopez – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Hilal Ozgur – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Laura Villacorta – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Flex Lab A & B
19:15 – 19:30Group activity: Description of Case Studies
Elisabeth Zielonka- EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
José Eduardo González Pastor – Center of Astrobiology (CSIC/INTA), Spain
Giuseppe D’Auria – FISABIO, Spain
Courtyard Room A & B
19:30 – 19:45Bus to ISG HotelEMBL bus stop
20:00Dinner at ISG Hotel
Day 3 – Wednesday 9 April 2025
Time (Europe/ Berlin)SessionLocation
09:00 – 09:45Practical: Test digestion conditions for metagenomic DNA and preparation of agarose gels
José Eduardo González Pastor – Center of Astrobiology (CSIC/INTA), Spain
Arantxa Lopez – Hospital Can Misses, Spain
Flex Lab A & B
09:45 – 10:45Practical introduction: Single cells genomics in droplets
Tobias Wenzel – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile (Virtual Speaker)
Flex Lab A & B
10:45 – 11:15BreakCourtyard Room A & B
11:15 – 11:45Practical: Loading agarose gels of test-digestion
José Eduardo González Pastor – Center of Astrobiology (CSIC/INTA), Spain
Arantxa Lopez – Hospital Can Misses, Spain
Flex Lab A & B
11:45 – 12:45LunchEMBL Canteen
12:45 – 14:15Practical: Analysis of test-digestion Scale-up of digestion of metagenomic DNA for cloning in the libraries
José Eduardo González Pastor – Center of Astrobiology (CSIC/INTA), Spain
Arantxa Lopez – Hospital Can Misses, Spain
Flex Lab A & B
14:15 – 14:45Break Courtyard Room A & B
14:45 – 16:45Practical: Purification from gel of the digested metagenomic DNA Cloning of the metagenomic DNA + overnight ligation
Eduardo González Pastor – Center of Astrobiology (CSIC/INTA), Spain
Arantxa Lopez – Hospital Can Misses, Spain
Flex Lab A & B
16:45 – 17:45Practical: Preparing bacterial cultures for droplet generation and demonstration of the droplet generation set-up
Patrick Hasenfeld – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Pierre Padilla Pontificia – Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
Sadaf  Pashapour – Heidelberg University, Germany
Flex Lab A & B
17:45 – 18:15BreakCourtyard Room A & B
18:15 – 19:30Droplet generation in groups
Patrick Hasenfeld – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Pierre Padilla Pontificia – Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
Sadaf  Pashapour – Heidelberg University, Germany
Flex Lab A & B
19:30 – 20:30DinnerEMBL Canteen
20:30Bus to ISG HotelEMBL bus stop
Day 4 – Thursday 10 April 2025
Time (Europe/ Berlin)SessionLocation
09:00 – 11:00Practical: Inactivation of Ligase, Dialysis, Transformation of E.Coli (Electroporation)
José Eduardo González Pastor – Center of Astrobiology (CSIC/INTA), Spain
Arantxa Lopez – Hospital Can Misses, Spain
Flex Lab A & B
11:00 – 12:00Methodological discussion of practical session 1: Metagenomics experimental design: Common shortcoming and pitfalls
José Eduardo González Pastor – Center of Astrobiology (CSIC/INTA), Spain
Flex Lab A & B
12:00 – 13:00LunchEMBL Canteen
13:00 – 15:00Practical: Solving problems and questions: Introduction to Linux and R based on pre-recorded lecture 1 and 2
Giuseppe D’Auria – FISABIO, Spain
Flex Lab A & B
15:00 – 16:00Metabolomic profiling of microbial communities
Mariana Reyes Prieto – FISABIO, Spain
Courtyard Room A & B
16:00 – 16:30BreakCourtyard Room A & B
16:30 – 17:30Pacific Bioscience (PacBio) sequencing for metagenomics
Vladimir Benes – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Courtyard Room A & B
17:30 – 18:00Bus back to ISG hotel and DowntownEMBL bus stop
18:00 – 18:30Free evening with tour of Heidelberg
Day 5 – Friday 11 April 2025
Time (Europe/ Berlin)SessionLocation
09:00 – 09:45Practical: Analysis of some colonies from the metagenomic libraries -Interpretation of results
José Eduardo González Pastor – Center of Astrobiology (CSIC/INTA), Spain
Arantxa Lopez – Hospital Can Misses, Spain
Flex Lab A & B
09:45 – 11:45Practical: Visualization of Droplets
Patrick Hasenfeld – EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Pierre Padilla Pontificia – Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
Sadaf  Pashapour – Heidelberg University, Germany
Flex Lab A & B
11:45 – 12:45LunchEMBL Canteen
12:45 – 13:45Functional and taxonomic analysis with MGnify
Kale Varsha- EMBL-EBI, Hinxton, UK
Computer Training Lab
13:45 – 15:45Practical: Functional and taxonomic analysis with MGnify
Kale Varsha- EMBL-EBI, Hinxton, UK
Computer Training Lab
15:45 – 16:15BreakCourtyard Room A & B
16:15 – 17:00Metatranscriptomics applied to the study microbial communities
José Eduardo González Pastor – Center of Astrobiology (CSIC/INTA), Spain
Courtyard Room A & B
17:00 – 18:00Pratical: Comparison of sequencing technologies
Nanopore, 16S, PacBio
Giuseppe D’Auria – FISABIO, Spain
Computer Training Lab
18:00 – 20:00Poster session with Pizza DinnerATC Rooftop lounge
20:00Bus back to the ISG HotelEMBL bus stop
Day 6 – Saturday 12 April 2025
Time
(Europe/ Berlin)
SessionLocation
09:00 – 12:30Introduction to 16S rDNA profiling (Illumina/PacBio)
Practical 6: 16S rDNA profiling (Illumina/PacBio)

Giuseppe D’Auria – FISABIO, Spain
Flexible break
Computer Training Lab
12:30 – 13:30LunchEMBL Canteen
13:30 – 14:45Practical: Practice to 16S rDNA profiling (Illumina/PacBio)
Giuseppe D’Auria – FISABIO, Spain
Computer Training Lab
14:45 – 15:15BreakCourtyard Room A & B
15:15 – 17:00Practical: Genome-Resolved Metagenomic
Kostas Konstantinidis – Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
Luis-Miguel Rodriguez-R- University of Innsbruck, Austria
Computer Training Lab
17:00 – 17:30BreakCourtyard Room A & B
17:30 – 19:30Practical: Genome-Resolved Metagenomic
Kostas Konstantinidis – Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
Luis-Miguel Rodriguez-R University of Innsbruck, Austria
Computer Training Lab
19:30 – 20:30DinnerEMBL Canteen
20:30Bus back to the ISG Hotel
Day 7 – Sunday 13 April 2025
Time
(Europe/ Berlin)
SessionLocation
09:00 – 11:15Practical: Metagenomic assembly, ORF finding, functional annotation.
Giuseppe D’Auria – FISABIO, Spain
Computer Training Lab
11:15 – 11:30BreakCourtyard Room A & B
11:30 – 12:30Analysis Tools Overview: INCA, MILC and MELP
Kristian Vlahovicek – University of Zagreb, Croatia
Computer Training Lab
12:30 – 13:30LunchEMBL Canteen
13:30 – 15:30Practical: INCA
Kristian Vlahovicek – University of Zagreb, Croatia
Computer Training Lab
15:30 – 16:00BreakCourtyard Room A & B
16:00 – 18:00Student presentation preparation time: Case Studies
All trainers and speakers
Courtyard Room A & B
18:00 – 19:00Bus DowntownEMBL bus stop
19:00 – 22:00Dinner Downtown
22:00Bus back to the ISG Hotel
Day 8 – Monday 14 April 2025
Time
(Europe/ Berlin)
SessionLocation
09:45 – 11:45Practical: Metagenomic analysis using DIAMOND+MEGAN
Daniel Huson – University of Tübingen, Germany
Computer Training Lab
11:45 – 12:45LunchEMBL Canteen
12:45 – 13:45Practical: Metagenomic analysis using DIAMOND+MEGAN
Daniel Huson – University of Tübingen, Germany
Computer Training Lab
13:45 – 15:15Group activity and presentations: Case StudiesCourtyard Room A & B
15:15 – 15:45Wrap-up and conclusionsCourtyard Room A & B
15:45 – 16:00Bust to Heidelberg train station and DowntownEMBL 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 breaks. This EMBO course includes accommodation and transportation to and from the ISG Hotel to the venue

Academia€550
PhD Student€550
Industry€1100

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 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.

Financial assistance

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

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 abstract or motivation letter submission process.

This grant covers costs related to your attendance to 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

If you are attending virtually, you can apply for financial assistance in the submission portal by the abstract deadline. Read the instructions on how to apply for financial assistance. Only submissions for financial assistance will be accepted. Presentation abstracts cannot be submitted here and will be declined. 

In your application you will be asked to summarise your current work,  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 some events, applications for Childcare Grants will still be done by email. Information about the grant will be sent out shortly after the abstract/motivation letter deadline. Please contact the event Conference Officer if you have any questions.

Selection

The scientific organisers will select the recipients of registration fee waivers during the participant selection process for courses. 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.

Further details

Check out this list of external funding opportunities or get more information on attending the conference as an event reporter.

For further information about financial assistance please refer to the FAQ page.

Accommodation and travel

Hotel

Accommodation in twin rooms, including breakfast is included in the registration fee. Accommodation will be booked for the selected participants at the ISG Hotel for the default dates of Sunday 6 April to Monday 14 April (7 nights).

In case you would like to have a single room, please let the hotel know and please note that you will be required to pay an additional cost of 32€ per night (availability of single rooms may be limited). This should be paid by you directly to the ISG Hotel during your stay.

We recommend that all course participants stay at the ISG 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 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.

Technical requirements and event software

Additional 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. 

Virtual participation guidelines

DELETE THIS TAB IF COURSE IS NOT HYBRID!!

Guidelines

  • Do not broadcast the course to unregistered participants.
  • Do not share your login details with others.
  • You are encouraged to tweet and post about the event. Tweet unless the speaker specifically says otherwise, but be mindful of unpublished data. 
  • Please do not capture, transmit or redistribute data presented at the meeting.
  • Video library of the recorded talks during the event and for 4 weeks afterwards. Please note: at the request of individual speakers, some talks are not recorded.

Additional information can be found in our Code of Conduct.

Health and well-being

It is important to stay healthy and move around, especially when you are attending an event virtually. We have put together a few coffee break stretches and yoga videos in eCampus for you to enjoy during the event.

How to ask questions

Questions during and after the talks can be asked in the live streaming platform. If time runs out or you think of a question later, you can use the EMBL eCampus forum or send a direct message to the speaker/trainer.

Time zone

The programme is planned based on the Europe/Berlin time zone, unless otherwise stated. As many virtual participants are attending from around the world, we do our best to accommodate as many time zones as possible when creating the programme. Please take your time zone into consideration when planning your attendance.

Additional information

Please find additional information including FAQs and terms and conditions on our Information for Participants page.

Sponsors

Event partners:


Event sponsors:


Event supporters:


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: 7 - 14 Apr 2025

Location: EMBL Heidelberg

Venue: EMBL Advanced Training Centre


Deadline(s):

Application: 13 Jan 2025


Organisers:

  • Vladimir Benes
    EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
    • Giuseppe D´Auria
      FISABIO Sequencing and Bioinformatics Service, Spain

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