The Electron Microscopy Hands-On Course: sample preparation and imaging of marine environmental samples arises from a very strong and active collaboration between the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn and the EMBL in Heidelberg.
The aim of the course is to provide a theoretical and practical training on electron microscopy starting from the basics to the preparation of samples with high pressure freezing and image acquisition using TEM and SEM.
The course will also include lectures on advanced and recently developed technologies as volume electron microscopy and correlative light-electron microscopy.
The course will take place at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples from 8 to 11 April 2026. It is primarily aimed at researchers and technicians from scientific institutions with an interest in electron microscopy. Prior documented experience in electron microscopy is not required.
Theoretical lessons
Sample preparation for EM – Chemical fixations
Sample preparation for EM - High pressure Freezing- Freeze substitution
Image formation in TEM and SEM
Sectioning difficult marine organisms
Immunolabeling
Correlative Light Electron Microscopy
Volume Electron Microscopy
Case studies (lectures by Fellows from ZooCELL Doctoral Network)
Practical lessons
Sample preparation: from the sea to the tube
Sample preparation for SEM
Ultramicrotomy
High pressure freezing
Image acquisition at TEM
Image acquisition at SEM
Teachers
Giovanna Benvenuto, SZN, Napoli
Christel Genoud, University of Lousanne
Alexandra Kerbl, COS Heidelberg
Frédéric Leroux, Diatome Ltd
Karel Mocaer, COS Heidelberg
Viola Oorschot, EMBL, Heidelberg
Seetharaman Parashuraman, CNR, Napoli
Paolo Ronchi, EMBL, Heidelberg
Fellows from ZooCELL Doctoral Network
Keynote lecturer
Detlev Arendt, EMBL, Heidelberg (title TBD)
Teaching assistants
Franco Iamunno, Rita Graziano, Lorenza Rusciano, Filomena Caccavale
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Application deadline February, 12th
Prior to application it is mandatory to send a Curriculum vitae to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Accepted participants will be notified by February, 20th
Registration and payment are due by March, 2nd
Fee: 300 euro per person (coffee breaks, lunches, and social dinner included)
The course will be open to 16 participants. Preference will be given to strongly motivated applicants.
ORGANIZERS:
Giovanna Benvenuto, Paolo Ronchi, Alexandra Kerbl, Karel Mocaer and Ina Arnone
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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