Training
The Facility team offers training to every user intending to have access to the Facility. Training can be general and aimed at developing user capabilities so independent use becomes possible, or can be targeted to a specific application. Training is always free and is mandatory before unsupervised system usage is allowed.
General training
Every user intending to access Facility resources has to follow training on the corresponding microscopes. Training aims to develop user capabilities and knowledge so that independent use is possible.
We offer general training for usage of:
- Leica SP8 STED FALCON confocal
- Zeiss 880 inverted LSM confocal microscope with Airyscan 1
- Zeiss 980 inverted LSM confocal microscope with Airyscan 2
- Zeiss 780 upright LSM confocal microscope with MP laser
- Zeiss 900 upright LSM confocal microscope with Airyscan 2
- Leica SPE inverted LSM confocal microscope with widefield capabilities
- Zeiss Spinning disk confocal
- Leica Thunder DMi8 widefield microscope
- DeltaVision Elite widefield system
- Olympus IX83 TIRF
- Miltenyi Blaze light sheet ultramicroscope (for large cleared samples)
Normally, training consists of a 2-3 hour training session, depending on the complexity of the microscope. The system introduction is done using a standard sample provided by the facility to illustrate system capabilities. After that, the user gets access to the instrument booking calendar on Agendo and card access to the respective facility room. For the first session after the training, when a user plans to image their own sample, we will accompany the session to supervise the startup and help set up specific settings for the first time. We always offer more support if needed to ensure confident independent system usage. Hands-on practice is an essential part of the training.
We normally train a maximum of two people per session. Please contact us 2-3 weeks in advance. In addition, to fully benefit from this training the gap between the first and the second training sessions shouldn’t be longer than two weeks. Therefore, plan sample preparation ahead of time.
Ad hoc targeted training
This training is intended for the following advanced applications:
- TIRF imaging on the Olympus IX83 TIRF microscope
- STED super-resolution imaging on the Leica SP8X confocal with gated STED
- Blaze light-sheet imaging with the Miltenyi Ultramicroscope
- Multi-Photon deep-tissue or live imaging on the Zeiss LSM780 upright MP microscope
This training is personalised and we require the user to have the right application before providing support for a project.
Before starting the training, a meeting with the Facility staff to evaluate the project and determine the best approach. Following an initial discussion, a personalised action plan will be developed. The number of training sessions and the degree of supervision will vary according to user experience and research project demands.
Please contact us 2-3 weeks in advance of when training is required to schedule the meeting and proceed with microscopy session bookings.