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Introduction to Single-Particle Cryo-EM - September 2025

Course overview

This in-person beginners’ course is aimed at PhD students and postdoctoral researchers who are new to cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and plan to incorporate it into their research. The programme will combine core theoretical lectures with practical training in single-particle cryo-EM, covering:

  • Negative stain grid preparation and screening
  • Cryo-EM sample preparation (including sample preparation for time-resolved cryo-EM)
  • Grid screening and data collection using EPU on a Titan Krios microscope
  • Demonstration of single-particle data processing using RELION

Participants are encouraged to send their samples in advance (one sample per attendee) for screening and potential data collection during the practical sessions. Samples must be received no later than 15 August 2025 and will be subject to quality control. A limited number of samples will be accepted.

Key Details

  • Registration 
  • Dates: 1–4 September 2025
  • Location: The Astbury Biostructure Laboratory, University of Leeds, UK
  • Capacity: 18 participants
  • Registration Deadline: 17 July 2025
  • Course Fee: Free of charge
  • Included: Accommodation (check-in 31 August, check-out 4 September), meals, and travel reimbursement up to £250. Participants are responsible for any costs exceeding this amount.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a PhD student or postdoc new to the field and will be using cryo-EM as part of your work
  • Have access to the necessary cryo-EM instrumentation at your home institution or through a local facility, or have established plans to secure such access in the near future.

Programme Schedule

Day 1:

The course begins with introductory lectures covering naegative stain and sample preparation. Participants will give short flash-talks to introduce their research projects. In the afternoon, practical sessions in small groups (3–4 participants) will focus on negative stain preparation, cryo-EM sample preparation including sample preparation for time-resolved cryo-EM workflows.

Days 2–3:
Morning session will begin with lectures covering key concepts of cryo-EM. The remaining sessions will be dedicated to hands-on microscope operation, including grid screening and data collection using the Titan Krios.

Day 4:
The final day will focus on image processing. Lectures will cover essential topics such as image analysis, 3D map reconstruction, and model building. The day will conclude with a live demonstration of single-particle analysis workflows using RELION.

Organisers

Astbury Biostructure Laboratory, University of Leeds

eBIC (Diamond Light Sourse)

Midlands Regional Cryo-EM Facility (University of Leicester)

Birkbeck college (University of London)

Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging (University of Glasgow)