05. 11. 2024
September 8-12, 2025
Microscopy Service Unit of the IEM CAS / Bioimaging Facility of the IPHYS CAS / Core Facility – Magnetic Resonance of the ISI CAS
Basic information
The course aims to teach multimodal preclinical imaging techniques, including in vivo two-photon microscopy, in vivo multi-photon-based label-free techniques (SHG, THG, CARS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of small rodents. Participants will acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills in various neuroimaging techniques, with a focus on intravital multi-photon microscopy and MRI principles. Emphasizing the importance of animal models in physiological research, the course guides participants through the entire process of conducting preclinical bioimaging experiments. It includes a detailed pipeline for analyzing brain tumour structures and functional parameters, covering cranial window surgery, two-photon microscopy usage, perfusion MRI and subsequent image analysis. Additionally, the workshop addresses the challenges in using animal models for research and provides access to field experts.
Intended audience
The course is designed for researchers (PhD candidates, Postdocs, Principal Investigators, etc.) with a serious interest in integrating in vivo imaging into their projects.
Methods
Two-photon fluorescent microscopy (functional calcium/voltage imaging, structural imaging), second harmonic generation (SHG), third harmonic generation (THG), coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS), high field magnetic resonance perfusion imaging (MRI), fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM)
Registration and admission
Course fee: 11500 CZK incl. VAT (approx. 450 EUR)
Registration deadline: 30. 6. 2025
Registration is handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and places are limited to 10 participants. To secure a spot, payment must be completed upon receiving the invoice.
As part of the registration process, applicants are asked to describe their expectations for the course, the challenges they would like to address, and how the knowledge gained will benefit their research. The response should be 200-300 words long.
Selection
If the number of applicants exceeds the available spots before all registrations are confirmed, priority will be given based on the relevance of each applicant’s description of their expectations and how they plan to apply the knowledge gained.
Payment
Once registered, applicants will receive an invoice, and their place will be confirmed once payment is received.
The fee covers all course materials and teaching, meals throughout the course, refreshments during the opening and closing social events, transportation between Prague and Brno, and accommodation in Brno for the night from Thursday to Friday. It does not include travel costs to and from the course location (except for the provided transportation between Prague and Brno) or accommodation from Monday to Thursday.
Program
Day 1 (Monday) – theoretical overview of multimodal preclinical brain imaging
The first day will feature several theoretical lectures to provide participants with the necessary background on the topics addressed by the course.
The day concludes with an opening social event, allowing participants an opportunity for networking.
Day 2-4 (Tuesday-Thursday) – multi-photon microscopy and cranial window implantation
Over the next three days, participants, divided into small groups, will engage in a series of hands-on sessions focusing on cranial window implantation, multi-photon imaging techniques, and subsequent data analysis.
Hands-on sessions will cover:
- Craniotomy practice on an eggshell-based cranium model
- Demonstration of cranial window implantation in vivo
- Cranial window implantation practice ex vivo
- Functional and structural two-photon microscopy imaging
- Multi-photon label-free techniques (SHG, THG, CARS) and FLIM
- Image analysis of two-photon microscopy data
A second social gathering will be held on Thursday evening in Brno.
Day 5 – MRI
The final day is dedicated to MRI perfusion techniques. Participants will be introduced to tumour MRI imaging, animal preparation for MRI imaging and subsequent data analysis.
Location
The first four days will take place in Prague. On Thursday afternoon, participants will be transported by bus to Brno for the MRI sessions on Friday. The course concludes with a return to Prague on Friday evening.
Equipment
Custom upright Bruker confocal microscope, specifically designed for live animal imaging and stain-free tissue imaging.
Upright two-photon microscope designed for ultra-fast functional in vivo imaging of small rodents
Bruker Biospec 94/30 Avance III HD
Small-animal 9.4 Tesla MR scanner suitable for mice, rats and rabbits.
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