Software Engineering workshops

This practical introduction develops reproducible scientific workflows using Nextflow. Participants learn channels, processes, operators, executors, configuration, parameters and reusable modules, then apply them to an RNA-seq pipeline. The course shows how containerized dependencies and the dataflow programming model support execution on local machines, clusters and cloud infrastructure. Familiarity with Linux or macOS and a command shell is strongly recommended. Online sessions run 09:30–13:30 CET and the listed fee is €380.

Autonomous laboratories must connect software to physical instruments while retaining meaningful scientific input from researchers. This interdisciplinary workshop examines how humans and automated systems can share experimental tasks, with particular attention to fragmented instrument interfaces, sample handling and integration failures. Participants compare robotic orchestration, interoperability, human–robot interaction and reproducibility in physically executed experiments. Examples span microscopy, thin-film polymers, nanoparticle synthesis, antimicrobial discovery, batteries and fuels. The emphasis is on operational workflows and lessons from unsuccessful integrations, rather than autonomous hypothesis generation or data analysis alone. Invited talks, laboratory tours and discussion sessions run from 11 to 13 November 2026. The published outline opens check-in at 09:00 and talks at 11:00 on 11 November; talks resume at 09:00 on both subsequent days. The closing session is scheduled for 14:15–15:00 on 13 November, followed by informal discussion. Times are local CET (Europe/Berlin). Detailed session assignments will follow. Attendance is free with advance registration; the event language is English.

Practise supervising an AI coding agent in reproducible bioinformatics analyses. The workshop begins with requests for individual Python functions in chat, then develops multi-step workflows using Claude's desktop tools on local project folders. Participants learn to inspect and correct generated code, document analyses, and distinguish successful execution from scientifically valid methods and assumptions. Genomics and tabular-data exercises cover delegation, review and reproducibility. Live online, 26–27 January, 14:00–18:00 Europe/Berlin (CET). Fee €280. Requires basic Python, a computer on which software can be installed, the Claude desktop app and an active paid Claude Pro-or-higher subscription for the course.