3-7 July 2017, Training School on Laser Applications for Biology and Biomolecular Systems: an authentic hands-on experience, Coimbra, Portugal

The Laserlab-Europe Training School on Laser Applications for Biology and Biomolecular Systems is focused on the application of laser-based techniques to biologically relevant molecules and systems. A number of lectures on the school's field of application will be given by renowned invited scientists. Spectroscopic, time-resolved and microscopy techniques will be presented and available for hands-on experiments by the targeted users from the biology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacy and medical communities. Students with background in physics or chemistry with the objective of studying biomolecular systems are also welcome.

Objectives

• Contribute to an integrating view of experimental laser-based methods applied to biomolecular sciences;
• Improve the awareness on safety and responsible use of laser sources in biomolecular sciences;
• Present cutting-edge laser-based techniques and applications;
• Train young researchers on laser based-tools with application in relevant biology and biomolecular systems.

Venue

Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal

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Duration

One week: 3-7 July 2017; Lectures and demonstrations: 2 days; Hands-on training: 3 days 

Target audience

The Training School is designed for new laser users from the biology, pharmacy and medical scientific communities with limited knowledge and experience in laser-based research, but with high potential for effective use of laser-based science and technology and laser facilities, namely in the biomedical diagnosis and treatment field. The study of relevant biomolecules and biocompatible molecules by spectroscopic, time-resolved and microscopy techniques is aimed to enhance the knowledge and understanding of young graduate, PhD and post-doctoral students of biology, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmacy and related medical fields. We will demonstrate how the knowledge of laser-based techniques and methods can help in these specific studies and fields of knowledge. Chemistry and physical sciences young researchers are also welcome.

Lecturers

• Steven Ford (Munich, Germany)
• Peter Hamm (Zurich, CH)
• Tony Parker (STFC-CLF, UK)
• Goreti Sales (ISEP/IPP, Portugal)
• Luis G. Arnaut (CLL, Portugal)
• Margarida C. Pires (UL, Portugal)

Programme

Scientific topics

• Laser safety
• Time-resolved spectroscopy and imaging to study structure-function relationships in biological systems
• Biocompatible molecules for treatment and diagnostic
• Spectroscopic analysis of biological samples
• Ultrafast IR transient absorption of relevant biological molecules
• Light interaction with biological tissues
• In-vivo Photoacoustic imaging

Training topics

• Biomolecules and biocompatible compounds spectroscopic characterization
• Steady-state spectroscopy: Absorption, fluorescence, IR and Raman spectroscopy
• Time-resolved spectroscopy: Transient absorption (fs up to ms), Single photon counting, Singlet oxygen phosphorescence, Photoacoustic calorimetry
• Data Analysis: Convolution, Fitting functions, Statistics, Data treatment
• Imaging/Diagnostic: Photoacoustic tomography, Multiphoton microscopy, Raman mapping, Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy
• Therapy: Photodynamic therapy

Scholarships application and registration

The school is free of charge for the selected attendees (scholarships cover the cost of the school, accommodation in shared rooms and meals). Lab work may be limited to about 20 attendees. Scholarship recipients may have to arrange and pay for their own travel costs to the event, although a number of travel grants will be available for early registrations. The deadline for receiving scholarship application forms is 1 March 2017 and all applicants will be informed of the decision on awarding a scholarship by 15 March 2017. The decision of the project organizing committee panel will be final. The deadline for confirmation is 24 March 2017. Applications for attendance and scholarship should include the progress status of the PhD or post-doc project (in years) and present and near future research topics (fill and send the Application Form).

Training School organizing committee

Carlos Serpa
Igor Reva
Fábio Schaberle
João Pina