By Asli Kilic, Doctoral candidate, Arendt lab-EMBL.
The very first ZooCELL practical course took place at the Centre of Organismal Studies (COS) in Heidelberg, Germany, from February 3rd to 14th, 2025. This hands-on course on “Animal Diversity and EM Sample Preparation” marked the first time all the doctoral candidates and principal investigators of the network came together for an intensive two-week program.
ZooCELL group photo. DCs, PIs and trainers during the practical in Heidelberg.
The course featured insightful lectures on volume electron microscopy (vEM) techniques and sample preparation, alternative imaging methods like X-ray tomography and expansion microscopy (ExM) as well as lectures on evolutionary biology and current research in the field represented by a wide-range of model organisms. As fellows, we had the exciting opportunity to present our research project during a poster session where we shared ideas with the PIs, trainers and other fellows.
The highlight of the event was the hands-on two-week practical training where we learned various sample preparation methods ranging from high-pressure freezing and chemical fixation to sectioning with an ultramicrotome. We also gained hands-on experience in imaging techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for Array Tomography and FIB-SEM.
DCs at the EMCF at Heidelberg University during the practicals.
Special thanks to Réza Shahidi and Charlotta Funaya from the EMCF at Heidelberg University, to Chandni Bhickta, Paolo Ronchi, and Inés Romero Brey from the EMCF at EMBL Heidelberg for hosting and training us, and to Alexandra Kerbl, Karel Mocaer, Sanja Jasek and Gáspár Jékely from COS for organizing the event and for their commitment to training us.
DCs during the chemical fixation practical session at COS.