Registration for the summer school is now closed, but you're still welcome to join us for the Open Lecture days on 19 & 20 May.

We're thrilled to invite you to the 7th edition of the Light Microscopy Summer School, a hands-on, week-long training program designed to explore the microscopic world in stunning detail.

Whether you're a PhD student or postdoc, this course offers a friendly and practical environment to sharpen your imaging skills and discover the latest in light microscopy. From the basics of optics to cutting-edge techniques like super-resolution and functional imaging, we'll guide you through it all. Each day combines interactive lectures with hands-on sessions, so you won't just learn the theory, you'll get to apply it right away using advanced equipment and real biological samples.

What to expect:

• A solid introduction to optical principles and how microscopes work
• Practical insights into contrast methods, fluorescence, and confocal imaging
• Advanced tools like spectral unmixing, deconvolution, and structural illumination
• Functional imaging with FRAP, FRET, and FLIM
• Tips and tricks for image processing and maintaining integrity in image analysis

Objectives:

• Understand and apply the core principles of light microscopy, including optics, diffraction, and Köhler illumination.
• Perform and interpret confocal, live-cell, and multiphoton imaging experiments.
• Explore specialized applications including plant imaging, multiplexing with OPALs and RNAscope, and correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM).
• Apply best practices in image processing and adhere to ethical standards in image analysis.
• Interpret the results from functional microscopy experiments.

Required skills:

• A basic understanding of cell biology or biophysics
• Prior exposure to microscopy or imaging techniques
• Familiarity with image analysis software (e.g., Fiji/ ImageJ) is a plus, but not mandatory