Nanocourse: Imaging – Basics & Advanced

Please register for this course by emailing gindrat@molgen.mpg.de.

This three-day intensive nanocourse at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics introduces participants to the fundamental principles and advanced applications of biological imaging. Designed for a small group setting (20–25 participants), the workshop combines lectures, microscopy, and data analysis to provide a useable imaging-skill-package. Participants will gain practical insight into sample preparation, staining strategies, and imaging using both confocal and widefield microscopy systems. Core concepts in optics and microscopy will be complemented by guided data acquisition sessions, enabling attendees to generate their own imaging datasets. Building on this foundation, the course covers essential and advanced image processing and analysis techniques, with a strong emphasis on interpreting real experimental data. Through interactive group work, participants will develop project ideas, analyze their datasets, and translate results into meaningful biological conclusions. The final day focuses on automation strategies, data analysis workflows, and preparation and presentation of an own publishing-ready figure. Overall, this workshop provides a hands-on, end-to-end overview of modern imaging workflows from sample preparation to data interpretation equipping participants with practical skills and knowledge applicable to their own research.

Program

Day 1 – 15^th June 2026 (SR2)

09:00 – 09:30: Welcome Note

09:30 – 10:00: Sample Prep – Fixation of samples

10:00 – 10:15: Coffee break

10:15 – 11:45: Lecture: Basics on Microscopy & Optics 1

11:45 – 12:45: Lunch break

12:45 – 13:30: Lecture: Basics on Microscopy & Optics 2

13:30 – 13:45: Coffee break

13:45 – 15:30: Hands-on Imaging and Data Collection

15:45 – 16:15: Wrap up the day

Day 2 – 16^th June 2026 (SR1)

09:30 – 10:30: The Image, Processing and basic Operations

10:30 – 10:45: Coffee break

10:45 – 11:45: Image Analysis

11:45 – 12:45: Lunch break

12:45 – 13:15: Image Analysis examples on collected Data

13:15 – 13:45: Project plan

13:45 – 15:30: Hands-on Image Analysis on Data Collected

15:45 – 16:15: Wrap up the day

Day 3 – 17^th June 2026 (SR1 full day, SR2 13:30-16:00)

09:00 – 09:45: Automation Strategies

09:45 – 10:00: Coffee break

10:00 – 11:15: Data Analysis

11:15 – 11:45: Plan a figure

11:45 – 12:45: Lunch Break

13:00 – 14:00: Secret Special Guest

14:00 – 16:00: Preparing a figure (SRI + SRII)

16:00 – 16:45: Final Presentation

From 16:45: Closing

Before signing up for this nanocourse, please make sure that you can attend all the dates and write them in your calendar. If you do not show up or cancel at very short notice, other interested students will not be able to participate.