Biotechnology workshops

Genomics, proteomics and imaging now measure molecules and cells across many scales. This workshop examines how mechanistic models can integrate those measurements and biological dynamics to explain and engineer cellular behaviour. Researchers in single-cell analysis, dynamic proteomics, quantitative imaging, synthetic biology and theory will connect experimental and computational approaches. The programme links three themes: cell dynamics and interactions; molecular mechanisms and engineering; and rigorous quantitative models. Sessions address multiscale modelling, molecules over time, large-scale perturbations, prediction of cell states, dynamic processes, and stem-cell engineering. Virtual participation includes livestreamed talks, questions and discussion, plus available recordings for four weeks; individual speakers may decline recording. Virtual participants cannot submit presentation abstracts. Fees: PhD students €175, academia €200, industry €275; card payment is required. Virtual registration closes 10 November 2026. On-site registration is closed. Programme times are Europe/Berlin (CET, UTC+1): 17 November opening at 13:15 and talks from 13:30; 18 and 19 November sessions from 09:00; 20 November from 10:00, with closing remarks at 13:15–13:30.

This investigators workshop examines adeno-associated virus gene therapies for epilepsy from design and animal testing through clinical translation. Research examples concern Lafora disease, SCN1B-related Dravet syndrome and SLC6A1-related neurodevelopmental disorder. The panel considers treatment efficacy, seizure-associated adverse effects and AAV toxicity, alongside strategies for overcoming current limitations. Discussion also covers biomarkers, scalability and the evidence needed to advance candidates beyond preclinical studies. Sunday 6 December, 14:00–15:30 Mountain Standard Time (America/Denver). Part of the 2026 American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting. In-person meeting registration and a free myAES account are required. Standard full-meeting rates are USD 800 for member scientists and USD 1,075 for non-member scientists; student rates are USD 250 and USD 360, respectively. Other professional and one-day categories are available. Seating priority goes to registered attendees.

A practical doctoral course in rational, physics-based and AI approaches to protein design. Topics include coiled-coil design, Rosetta, structure-based generative models, protein language models, screening and selection, proteins for extreme or cellular environments, molecular recognition, dynamic complexes, switches and motor proteins. Participants construct algorithms and use existing design software through readings, problem-based exercises and discussion. The programme also addresses translation, innovation and responsible research. In-person teaching runs 1–12 February 2027 in Copenhagen; the published course span is 09:00 on the first day to 17:00 on the last. Teaching is in English and awards 8.1 ECTS. Prior protein-chemistry training, Python, Unix and a laptop are required. The fee is DKK 16,080; eligible Danish-university and NorDoc PhD students are exempt. Danish PhD students have seat priority; other applicants wait until the 3 January deadline before remaining places are allocated.

This course gives PhD students and early-career postdoctoral researchers practical and theoretical training in spheroids, organoids and tissue explants. Participants compare models for biological research, disease modelling and functional precision medicine, including their strengths, limitations and levels of complexity. Training covers extracellular matrices, reproducible culture establishment, experimental controls, longitudinal microscopy, viability and cell-death assays, advanced imaging and preparation for downstream omics. Experimental-data processing and interpretation accompany the laboratory work. Standardisation, minimum-information guidance and metadata sharing support the selection of appropriate models and reproducible study design.

This EMBO Practical Course trains early-career researchers to integrate experimental and computational tools for studying development. Practical modules cover live and optogenetic imaging in teleosts, single-cell transcriptomics, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, multiplex hybridization chain reaction for spatial gene-expression analysis, and morphometric analysis in African cichlids. Lectures and data-analysis sessions connect the methods to cell fate, lineage relationships, cellular dynamics and morphogenesis. Participants with foundational developmental-biology experience are encouraged to bring their own biological material for selected practicals. Applications are due 22 February 2027. The preliminary programme starts with welcome and safety guidance at 14:00 on 31 May and closes with feedback at 11:30–12:30 on 8 June (Europe/Berlin).

Machine learning has enabled advances in protein design and genetic circuits, but biological engineering still faces problems of interpretability, uncertainty and connections between molecular and system-level behaviour. Applied mathematicians, learning researchers and synthetic biologists will explore statistical methods for complex biological data, models that expose mechanisms, stochastic descriptions of noisy systems, multiscale modelling from molecules to populations and robust optimization for design under uncertainty. The workshop aims to develop mathematical foundations for more dependable biotechnology.