19/08/2024
Key points:
Last month the Babraham Institute hosted their third Spectral Flow Cytometry Symposium, bringing together leading experts and researchers from around the globe. The two-day event featured a blend of interactive workshops, hands-on sessions with the latest equipment, and in-depth discussions on spectral cytometry technology.
Speaking about the event, head of the Institute’s Flow Cytometry facility and organiser of the event, Dr Rachael Walker, said: “We are delighted that the Symposium is becoming more popular each year. As manufacturers release new instruments for spectral flow cytometry, events like this provide a great opportunity to hear about the latest in panel design, standardisation, data analysis for spectral flow cytometry. We pair the talks with workshops to allow our delegates to take away new skills. I would like to say a big thank you to our speakers and facilitators as well as the Institute’s events team and flow cytometry team for helping organise the day.”
This year the event was curated to support scientists from businesses across the Babraham Research Campus and academic core facilities though workshops dedicated to maintaining in-house cytometers and optimal training strategies for in-house flow cytometry users. Cutting-edge equipment used during the workshops included most spectral analysers and sorters. A Becton Dickinson FACSDiscover S8 was been installed for the symposium, allowing delegates the unique insight into spectral and imaging on their cells.
Julie Van Duyse, Flow Cytometry Core Expert at VIB, said: “Attending the Babraham Spectral Symposium is a great way to get submerged in all things spectral. No matter if you are a beginner or an expert, it's the perfect place to keep up with the spectral flow cytometry field. I'm happy to have the opportunity to get back a second time and not only gain theoretical knowledge but also have the chance to participate in their practical workshops to see their experts at work.”
The talks, given by experts in academia, industry and companies included:
“Some mixed feelings: when multiplex panels bring challenges along with breakthroughs”
Anna Belkina, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Boston University
"Seeking, identifying, and targeting clinically significant cells with cytometry and machine learning tools"
Jonathan Irish, Associate Professor at the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Vanderbilt University
"Journey in Spectral"
Christopher Hall, Deputy Flow Cytometry Manager at the Babraham Institute
"You’ve taken your first steps into a larger world: Using Spectral Cytometry in Clinical Studies"
Christopher Groves, Associate Translational Science R&D Director at Q² Solutions
"Fluorophores in Full Spectrum"
Kelly Lundsten, Director of Strategic Product Innovation at FluoroFinder
“Practical considerations for the optical design of spectral flow cytometers”
Sam Schonsberg, R&D Optical Engineer III at Thermo Fisher Scientific
"50-Color Flow Cytometry: More Than Just Panel Design"
Aaron Tyznik, Director of Scientific Affairs at Becton Dickinson and Company
Attendees also said:
The workshops were extremely useful and catered to a wide range of skill levels, from those who were experienced to those completely new to spectral work.
Excellent workshops really different from standard conferences!
Very collaborative, great to hear insights from very experienced users. Great from our vendor point of view to get very direct feedback.
The symposium will return in 2025.
Contact
Honor Pollard, Communications Officer, honor.pollard@babraham.ac.uk
Image description: Rachael Walker talking at the Spectral Flow Cytometry Symposium
19 August 2024