Over the past decade, flow cytometry has fast become one of the most valuable tools for immunology research. When used well, it is an incredibly powerful and timesaving technique, enabling efficient characterisation of a vast array of cell populations.
While many immunologists routinely use flow cytometry in their work, multiparameter design often remains an untapped potential of the technique in some labs. Complex experiments with multiple parameters can offer enormous benefits to researchers, and teams are often looking to expand their flow cytometry knowledge and skills to unlock this potential.
This fully online, interactive course is specially tailored to give wet lab life scientists the skills they need to take full advantage of multiparameter flow cytometry. The course is applicable to those using both conventional and spectral cytometry but the exercises will involve only conventional cytometers.
The course is aimed specifically at the immunology community, with examples using immunological data, and will break down the different elements involved in multiparameter design. This will equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to set up complex experiments and interpret data with confidence.
Delivered by an expert flow cytometry trainer via live online sessions, this course will:
- Demonstrate how to run complex experiments using multiparameter design
- Dispel common myths and help shorten the time to results
- Help learners to obtain high-quality, reliable and repeatable data from their flow cytometry experiments
- Prepare learners for troubleshooting when things don’t go as expected
- Understand and resolve specific issues learners have been encountering in real world settings
What you’ll get:
- Access to pre-course videos and self-assessment quizzes, supporting participants in pre-course preparation
Seven hours of training across two days, with ample time to digest and apply new skills - Access to an online learning portal with resources to add depth and breadth to your learning journey. This will be available to you from the moment of sign up and for three months after course completion
- Practice setting up and interpreting multiparameter flow cytometry panels
- An overview of reagents used in immunological studies, including new fluorochromes
- An understanding of spectral spillover and how to deal with it
- Transferable expertise you can take back to your lab and share with your team to improve overall efficiency
- Access to expert cytometrists who will facilitate learning in small group exercises throughout the course
- A 30% discount for BSI members
Key features
- Course content tailored specifically for immunologists – providing case studies and real-world examples relevant to your work
- Fully remote sessions so no need to travel
- Interactive and real-time learning
- Competitive course price
- Troubleshooting opportunities, including the opportunity to receive guidance on your own data
- Support from technical facilitators during breakout sessions
- Small groups for a more personalised learning experience (20-30 people per course)
- Trainer with over 40 years of experience in flow cytometry
Course dates and registration
Flow cytometry: making sense of multiparametric design
- Thursday 20 February and Thursday 27 February 2025 - register here
This course has limited spaces, please register now to avoid disappointment.
Who is this course for?
This course is equally valuable for researchers (including wet-lab researchers), at any stage of their career.
No prior formal training is necessary, though some experience of flow cytometry is expected. Delegates should have an understanding of fluorescent reagents used in immunophenotyping, the basics of how a flow cytometer works and an appreciation of fluorescence compensation. Pre-course videos will be provided as a refresher.
Meet the course tutor
Derek Davies has been involved in cytometry for over 40 years. His work on an MRC-funded project investigating DNA and protein content in cervical cells sparked a lifelong interest in flow cytometry, and in 1990 he took up a post at the flow cytometry facility at the London Research Institute, becoming the facility’s manager in 1996. When the Institute merged with the National Institute of Medical Research to become the Francis Crick Institute, Derek oversaw the merger of the two flow cytometry facilities. He has taught throughout his career, and in 2018, he became Science Technology Platform Training Lead at the Crick, overseeing internal and external training in a variety of core facilities. In July 2023, he became an independent cytometry consultant providing virtual and live training in all aspects of cytometry.
‘Flow cytometry: making sense of multiparameter design’ has been developed and will be delivered by the British Society for Immunology and leading flow cytometry trainer Derek Davies. 
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If you have any questions, please email training@immunology.org.