30^th International Workshop on “Single Molecule Spectroscopy and Super-resolution Microscopy”

News

May 6, 2025
Special train fare now available for event attendees

We’re pleased to announce that all participants can now take advantage of a special event ticket offered by Deutsche Bahn. This exclusive offer allows you to travel to our workshop at a discounted rate. Booking is available starting now—don’t miss the chance to save on your journey!

More information >

April 9, 2025
Video: The full interview with Philip Tinnefeld is now available

From award winner to scientific leader: In an exclusive interview, Prof. Dr. Philip Tinnefeld (LMU Munich), Student Award Winner from 2001, shares his inspiring journey from his early days at the Single Molecule Workshop to becoming a leading expert in single-molecule research. We are happy to have him as an invited speaker at this year's workshop!

Watch the interview on youtube >

April 4, 2025
Media partnership with Wiley's Microscopy and Analysis

We are pleased to announce our media partnership with Microscopy and Analysis. Through this collaboration, we aim to expand the visibility and impact of cutting-edge research in single molecule science.

April 2, 2025
Where Are They Now? A Look at Past Winners of PicoQuant’s Student Award: An interview with Philip Tinnefeld

Prof. Dr. Philip Tinnefeld (LMU Munich), a 2001 Student Award winner, has maintained a strong connection with the Single Molecule Workshop over the years. This year, he joins once again as an invited speaker. In our exclusive interview, he reflects on his journey, his ongoing ties to the community, and shares insights into the world of single-molecule research.

Read an excerpt from the interview >

March 27, 2025
Aleksandra Radenovic confirmed as invited speaker

We are happy to confirm Aleksandra Radenovic from the EPFL Lausanne as a further invited speaker at our upcoming anniversary workshop.

Check the list of all invited speakers >

March 18, 2025
Last call for abstracts

Don't miss your chance to be part of PicoQuant's 30th Single Molecule Workshop in Berlin!

Abstract deadline: April 16, 2025
PhD students: Submit your abstract for a talk within the framework of our Student Award.

Submit your abstract >

March 13, 2025
Where Are They Now? A Look at Past Winners of PicoQuant’s Student Award

As we celebrate 30 years of PicoQuant's Single Molecule Workshop, we’re looking back at the talented young researchers who took the stage and won the Student Award. Read about the inspiring career journeys of past award recipients, from those driving scientific innovation to those leading in industry.

Read more >

November 28, 2024
Registration is open

Registration is now open for our 30th anniversary Workshop on "Single Molecule Spectroscopy and Super-resolution Microscopy". We invite you to submit your abstract for a talk or a poster and join the world's foremost experts in single molecule research.

October 17, 2024
Save the date: 30th anniversary workshop September 23–26, 2025

The excitement for next year’s 30th anniversary workshop is already building, promising an extended program with two Nobel laureates and key pioneers in the field. Registration opens in November 2024.

Past workshops

The workshop on "Single Molecule Spectroscopy and Ultra Sensitive Analysis in the Life Sciences" is an annual event since 1995. To get an impression of our Single Molecule Workshops have a look at the video below and check our archive of past events.

Summaries and impressions of past workshops:

• 2024
• 2023
• 2022
• 2021
• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011
• 2010
• 2009
• 2008
• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002
• 2001
• 2000
• 1999
• 1998
• 1997
• 1996
• 1995

Meet the single molecule community in Berlin!

For the 30th year, the world's foremost experts in single molecule research convene in the vibrant city of Berlin. This year's gathering is nothing short of extraordinary. We are honored to host two Nobel laureates, along with the pioneers who paved the way and the rising stars shaping the future.

Be part of an exciting and stimulating conference where you can give a talk, present a poster, or attend without presenting. As always, we will award a “Best Student Talk” prize worth 750 Euro.

Immerse yourself in a groundbreaking exploration of ultra-sensitive optical detection down to the single molecule level as well as beyond the classical diffraction limit. PicoQuant's renowned workshop provides an unparalleled platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of cutting-edge research.

Discover a vast array of applications and methods in single molecule spectroscopy and advanced microscopy, presented through captivating talks and posters. Network with leading experts and like-minded researchers at our welcoming reception and workshop dinner.

Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of scientific innovation!

Covered topics include:

• Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM)
• Single molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET)
• Polarization and Anisotropy based techniques
• Quantitative imaging methods
• New fluorescence sensors and labeling schemes
• Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) and Fluorescence Lifetime Correlation Spectroscopy (FLCS)
• Image Scanning Microscopy (ISM)
• Single Molecule Localization Microscopy (e.g., PALM, STORM, dSTORM, GSDIM, PAINT)
• Open source data analysis solutions
• Big Data and Machine Learning approaches to superresolution and single molecule techniques

Both widefield and confocal fluorescence microscopy techniques are covered as well as in vivo and in vitro measurements with single molecule sensitivity.

Important dates

• Deadline for abstract submission: April 16, 2025
• Deadline for fee waiver application: April 16, 2025
• Final deadline for workshop registration August 15, 2025
• Notification on acceptance of abstracts: August 2025
• Program available August 2025

Student Award

As nurturing young scientists is important to PicoQuant, we host a competition for the “Best Student Talk” with an award worth 750 Euro. Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit their contributions until April 16, 2025. Please indicate during abstract submission if you wish to participate in the contest.

Contact

Workshop coordinators:
Claudia Bergemann
Katharina Zühlke

Tel: +49-30-1208820-87
Email: workshop@picoquant.com

Media partner: Microscopy and Analysis
Through our collaboration with Microscopy and Analysis, we aim to expand the visibility and impact of cutting-edge research in single molecule science.

Invited speakers

Guillermo Acuna
University of Fribourg (UNIFR), Switzerland

Thorben Cordes
TU Dortmund University, Germany

Christian Eggeling
Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany

Jörg Enderlein
University of Göttingen, Germany

Paul French
Imperial College London, UK

Maria Garcia-Parajo
ICFO, Barcelona, Spain

Viktorija Glembockyte
Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany

Taekjip Ha
Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, USA

Mike Heilemann
Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany

Stefan Hell (Key Note)
Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany

Johan Hofkens
KU Leuven, Belgium

Jessica P. Houston
New Mexico State University,
Las Cruces, USA

Madhavi Krishnan
University of Oxford, UK

Don Lamb
LMU Munich, Germany

W.E. Moerner (Key Note)
Stanford University, USA

Michel Orrit
Leiden University, The Netherlands

Aleksandra Radenovic
EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland

Verena Ruprecht
Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona, Spain

Vahid Sandoghdar
Max Planck Society, Erlangen, Germany

Markus Sauer
University of Würzburg, Germany

Ben Schuler
University of Zurich, Switzerland

Petra Schwille
Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany

Claus Seidel
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany

Sobhan Sen
Jawaharlal Nehru University, 
New Delhi, India

Allison Squires
The University of Chicago, USA

Philip Tinnefeld
LMU Munich, Germany

Jerker Widengren
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

Paul Wiseman
McGill University, Montreal, Canada

 

 

 

 

Xiaoliang Sunney Xie
Peking University, China

 

 

 

 

Abstract guidelines

• Abstract submission for talks will be open until April 16, 2025.
• Abstracts can only be submitted along with a registration for the workshop.
• Abstracts must be submitted in English and be no longer than 200 words (body text) with no graphics.
• Post deadline abstracts may be considered for poster presentations only (not for oral presentations) and are subject to availability.
• Abstracts will be made available to workshop participants through the online program overview and the abstract book. If you do not want to have your abstract displayed in the online program overview, please indicate so during the registration process.
• Notification on acceptance of abstracts will occur in August 2025.

Workshop fees

Besides full workshop attendance, the fee includes coffee breaks, a reception with food and drinks, a dinner* and lunches. Attendees will be responsible for their own travel, lodging, and additional meals.
* as of April 17: participation at dinner not guaranteed due to limited capacity of location

Financial support

PicoQuant has a fee waiver program for a small number of participants from universities or academic sector. Accommodation, travel, and personal expenses still need to be paid by the participants themselves. The selection of sponsored people is completely the sole decision of PicoQuant and there is no right or guarantee to receive a fee waiver.

To apply for a fee waiver, please send us your application:

• a letter of application and
• a formal letter of recommendation from your department/institute

Deadline for a fee waiver application is April 16, 2025.
Please note that only one person per research group can be considered for a fee waiver.

Registration

Workshop location

The workshop will be held in the science and technology park of Berlin-Adlershof, located in the south-eastern part of Berlin, not far from the BER Airport.

Venue:
Bunsen-Saal
Volmerstrasse 2
12489 Berlin

Deutsche Bahn Event Ticket

Get there relaxed – travel CO2-free. Your Deutsche Bahn (DB) Event Ticket at a fixed price throughout Germany. From any DB station to our workshop, with the City-Ticket included.

Event Ticket one-way and specific train (subject to availability):

• 1st class 95,00 € (seat reservation incl.)
• 2nd class 59,00 €

Event Ticket one-way and fully flexible:

• 1st class 119,00 € (seat reservation incl.)
• 2nd class 82,00 €

Book online now and get the lowest price for your preferred route – guaranteed.

For technical questions, please contact the DB service number +49 (0) 30 58 60 20 901.

Accommodation

We have negotiated special rates for a limited number of rooms located close to the workshop location. The number of rooms as well as booking time are limited and we therefore advise you to reserve your room as soon as possible.

Hotels within walking distance to the workshop location
 

ADAPT Apartments
Erich-Thilo-Straße 3, 12489 Berlin
Phone: +49-30-678-929-80
Fax: +49-30-678-929-82
Website of the apartment house
info@adaptberlin.de

Room prices per night

Single room: 107,63 EUR (excl. breakfast)

Breakfast is available at the hotel's catering partners in walking distance. It can be booked directly through the hotel.

Wireless LAN is included in the room price.

Airporthotel Berlin-Adlershof
Rudower Chaussee 14, 12489 Berlin
Website of the hotel
info@aha-hotel.de

Room prices per night

Single room: 109 EUR per night including breakfast

B&B Hotel Berlin Adlershof
Groß-Berliner Damm, 12487 Berlin-Adlershof
Website of the hotel
berlin-adlershof@hotelbb.com

Room prices per night

Single room: 109 EUR exclusive of breakfast

Booking code: Please contact us if you choose this hotel.

The rooms are bookable at this rate until September 5, 2025 on a first come, first served basis. We cannot guarantee reservations at these prices or any reservations at all after this date.

Booking code information will be sent with your regestration conformation. If you require this information at an earlier point, please contact us.

Terms and Conditions

Payment and Cancellations

• After online registration, you will receive an email notification including a PDF file that includes information on the payment procedure.
• All payments have to be received within 14 days after date of registration.
• We will send an email confirming your participation once we have received your payment. If payment is overdue, your registration will not be processed and will be considered invalid.
• A payment receipt will be included in our email confirmation of participation.
• Cancellation of registration must be submitted in writing or via email and is valid only with acknowledgment of receipt by PicoQuant GmbH. A refund of registration fees is dependent on the notice given:
  • For cancellations made until August 15, 2025, 75 % of the received registration fee will be reimbursed. In case of cancellations after August 15, 2025, 25 % of the registration fee will be reimbursed.
  • It is possible to name and send a substitute participant.
• No visa letters will be issued until payment of the registration fee is received and confirmed.

General

• Schedule and content of this event are subject to change without notice.
• PicoQuant records photographs and video material of participants at the events. By registering for a PicoQuant event, you agree that we may include images of yourself (either as a full image or in parts) for promotional purposes in various publications (press releases, promotional activities, event website, etc.). This material may also appear on our internet web page or on related social media pages. If you do not want us to use pictures in which you appear, please inform us in written form until the end of the workshop.
• We may also share personal information of event attendees (e.g. in the book of abstracts or in a contact list) with the other persons attending the same event to enable attendees to contact each other prior to, during or after the event for networking purposes. 

Cancellation of registration by PicoQuant due to force majeure

Any circumstances beyond the reasonable control of PicoQuant, including but not limited to acts of nature, fire, severe thunderstorm, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, terror, threats, pandemics, local or international health crises, security/safety risks or flooding shall constitute “force majeure”. If the force majeure is affecting a PicoQuant event, PicoQuant will notify the participants of such event without undue delay.

When PicoQuant is subject to force majeure, it shall be released from the performance of its obligations relating to any events (partially or wholly) to the extent that such performance is affected by the force majeure.

PicoQuant may take reasonable steps to minimize the consequences of the force majeure on its events and is entitled to reschedule or shorten (in all cases partially or wholly) an event and any performance related to such event. 

For termination of contract concerning an event between PicoQuant and the participant due to force majeure, this shall be without any liability for either party, except in so far as has accrued prior to the date on which the termination of the contract takes effect.

Each party to the contract concerning the event (PicoQuant and the participant) shall itself be responsible for all direct and indirect financial consequences affecting it as a result of or in connection with the force majeure. The occurrence of force majeure shall not entitle either party to any additional payment or compensation.

Code of conduct

The open exchange of ideas and freedom of thought and expression across different fields of research are central to the aims and goals of the Single Molecule Workshop. These require an environment that recognizes the inherent worth of every person and group, that fosters dignity, understanding, mutual respect, and embraces diversity. For these reasons, the Single Molecule Wokrshop organizers are committed to providing a harassment-free course experience.

If you experience harassment or discriminatory behavior at the Single Molecule Workshop, we encourage you to reach out to us for help.

Participants who violate this code may be sanctioned and/or expelled from the event, at the discretion of the organizers. Serious incidents may be referred to the Single Molecule Workshop organizers for further possible action.

If you witness harassment or discriminatory behavior, please consider intervening.

Rights releases

To encourage open communication, each member of a PicoQuant event agrees that any information presented at a PicoQuant event (workshop, course, symposium,etc.) , whether in a formal talk, poster session, or discussion, is a private communication from the individual making the contribution and is presented with the restriction that such information is not for public use.  

Prior to quoting or publishing any such information presented at a conference in any publication, written or electronic, written approval of the contributing member must first be obtained.  The audio or video recording of lectures by any means, the photography of slide or poster material, and printed or electronic quotes from papers, presentations and discussion at a conference without written consent of the contributing member is prohibited.  Scientific publications are not to be prepared as emanating from the conferences.  Authors are requested to omit references to the conferences in any publication, written or electronic.  These restrictions apply to each member of a conference and are intended to cover social networks, blogs, tweets or any other publication, distribution, communication or sharing of information presented or discussed at the conference. 

Guests are not permitted to attend the conference lectures, or poster sessions.  Each member of a conference acknowledges and agrees to these restrictions when registration is accepted and as a condition of being permitted to attend a conference. 

Although PicoQuant staff will take reasonable steps to enforce the restrictions against recording and photographing conference presentations, each member of a conference assumes sole responsibility for the protection and preservation of any intellectual property rights in such member's contributions to a conference.