About the Course

This is an intensive hands-on course focused on real work with super-resolution instruments and datasets.

Over three intensive days, participants spend most of their time in practical sessions. Each participant receives approximately 15 hours of hands-on training on state-of-the-art systems:

  • Zeiss Elyra 7 (Lattice SIM / SMLM)
  • EVIDENT IXplore SpinSR with SoRa
  • Leica Stellaris 8 TauSTED Xtend
  • Zeiss Airyscan2

Short, focused lectures introduce the key principles of each technique (deconvolution, reassignment, SIM, SMLM, STED), but the emphasis is on direct practical work in small groups.

Course Structure and Practical Training

Each super-resolution method is introduced by a focused theoretical lecture covering its physical principles, key parameters, strengths and limitations. These sessions provide the necessary framework for the subsequent practical work.

The core of the course consists of extended small-group hands-on sessions. Participants work directly with advanced imaging systems under the supervision of application specialists and core facility staff.

During the practical blocks, you will:

  • Set up and operate different super-resolution imaging systems
  • Compare different approaches and evaluate their suitability for specific samples/biological questions
  • Work with image datasets to perform post-processing and re-processing, including: Lattice SIM reconstruction, SMLM reconstruction, Airyscan data processing, Huygens deconvolution for SoRa, STED Xtend FLIM data processing

In addition, the program includes three scientific lectures presenting real biological applications of STED, SIM and optical reassignment approaches, providing applied research context for the techniques discussed.

The aim is not only to demonstrate what each technique can achieve, but to understand when it works, where its limits lie, and how to select the most appropriate approach for a given biological question.

Preparation and Pre-Course Materials

Participants will receive detailed information before the course to help them prepare effectively.

General guidelines for sample preparation will be provided in advance for those who wish to bring their own samples. These instructions will cover key requirements specific to super-resolution techniques (labeling density, fluorophore choice, mounting considerations and basic quality criteria).

In addition, participants will receive preparatory materials introducing the individual super-resolution methods covered in the course. These materials allow attendees to familiarize themselves with the basic principles beforehand, so that the on-site sessions can focus primarily on practical work and data interpretation rather than extended theoretical explanations.

Scientific Exchange and Networking

Scientific discussion and networking are an integral part of the course design.

Day 1Participants’ Projects Discussion & Dinner
The first day concludes with a joint dinner in the lecture room focused on participants’ own research projects. Attendees may bring a poster or give a short flash presentation (max. 5 slides / 5 minutes) to introduce their biological question or imaging challenges. The session is designed to stimulate discussion about experimental design and method selection.
Day 2Informal Dinner (Grill Garden, 20:00–22:30)
An informal evening gathering providing space for networking and open scientific exchange.
Day 3Final Discussion & Farewell Pizza
The course concludes with a final discussion session followed by a farewell pizza.

Looking forward to seeing you in Prague!

Organizing Team