Electron Microscopy (EM) and Cryo-EM - Practical Course

3-4 & 10-11 November 2025

Dr. Christel Genoud, Electron Microscopy Facility, UNIL

Christel Genoud, Dr., Electron Microscopy Facility, UNIL
Jean Daraspe, Electron Microscopy Facility, UNIL
Antonio Mucciolo, Electron Microscopy Facility, UNIL
Damien De Bellis, Electron Microscopy Facility, UNIL

Invited speakers: 2-4 external speakers (TBC)

Mornings: lectures

Afternoon: hands-on demonstrations + work on your own sample
2 days focusing on classic EM, 2 days on Cryo EM

Goals:

• to identify the best EM method for each student samples/questions;
• to discover which EM techniques that are available at the EMF could forward your research;
• to identify how molecules can be localized in cells or tissues;
• to learn the basics of EM image acquisition, analysis and reconstruction;
• to understand basic SEM and TEM operating principles;
• to gain exposure to various methods of preparing biological samples for EM together with the advantages and disadvantages related to each of these methods

Topics covered:

• TEM, transmission electron microscopy;
• cryoTEM;
• TEM sample preparation: chemical and high-pressure freezing procedures;
• SEM, scanning electron microscopy;
• SEM sample preparation;
• Volume EM: TEM- tomography, Focused Ion Beam-SEM, Array Tomography;
• Ultramicrotomy, resin sections;
• Cryo-ultramicrotomy, the Tokuyasu technique;
• Image processing, volume reconstruction, and modelling.

> On the first day of activity, each student has 3 minutes (1-2 slides) to explain his needs in electron microscopy in the frame of the PhD work.

More information will follow

University of Lausanne, Room TBA

This course is organized in collaboration with the CUSO doctoral programs in Microbial Sciences and Molecular Plant Sciences.

Reimbursements for CUSO Students:
Train ticket, 2°class, half-fare from your institution to the place of the activity.

Reimbursement of your travel tickets can be asked online through your MyCUSO.

CUSO StarOmics Students: for any question concerning reimbursement please contact the CUSO StarOmics coordinator Corinne Dentan

Other CUSO Students: please contact the coordinator of your Program

Deadline for registration: 20.10.2025

12 places available for CUSO students (4 for each participating program)

Minimum number of participants: 10

For cancellations after the deadline of registration or no show: 150 CHF administrative fees

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