Single Molecule Workshop

Aim and purpose

The workshop aims to provide an interdisciplinary platform to exchange experiences, information, and recent findings in the field of ultrasensitive optical detection down to the single molecule level as well as beyond the classical diffraction limit. Our workshop addresses researchers and associated professionals from diverse fields including physics, chemistry, biology, as well as life and materials science.

Ultrasensitive microscopy and spectroscopy techniques have become standard tools for fundamental biological and biomedical research, allowing studying the function and structure of individual biomolecules as well as interactions between them. The range of techniques and methods has steadily grown since the first report of Single Molecule Detection (SMD) in 1976.

Today, single molecules can be detected using either wide field or confocal fluorescence microscopy, Scanning Nearfield Optical Microscopy (SNOM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), or Raman scattering. Time-resolved methods such as Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM), Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) or even multidimensional fluorescence methods are used on a daily basis in imaging facilities. Measurements beyond Abbe's diffraction limit are possible thanks to techniques such as Stimulated Emission Depletion Microscopy (STED), localization microscopy (PALM, STORM, dSTORM, GSDIM), or fluctuation microscopy (SOFI). Interest in super-resolution microscopy techniques has increased in recent years and their importance was recognized through the Nobel Prize in Chemisty awarded to Eric Betzig, Stefan W. Hell, and W.E. Moerner in 2014.

In addition to expanding and improving its application range, current research focuses on developing quantitative imaging methods, formulating standardized (SMD)-FRET analysis protocols, establishing and unifying open source data analysis solutions, or applying big data approaches to SMD results (such as using neural networks).

All of these research initiatives show that the future of ultrasensitive optical detection and super-resolution techniques looks bright for challenging applications ranging from chemical analysis to biophysics, biological and biomedical research, medical diagnostics, and materials research.

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 encouraged to submit their contributions. Details about the submission process will be announced at a later date.

Important dates

Deadline for submission of abstracts: May 31, 2020
Deadline for early bird registration: May 31, 2020
Deadline for a fee waiver application: May 31, 2020
Final deadline for workshop registration: August 15, 2020
Notification on acceptance of abstracts: July 2020
Program available: July 2020

Impressions from the past

To get an impression of our Single Molecule Workshops have a look at the video below or browse through our workshop archive.

Contact

Workshop coordinator: Jana Bülter

Tel: +49-30-1208820-87
Fax: +49-30-1208820-90
Email: workshop@picoquant.com

Please note: schedule and content of this event is subject to change without notice.

List of speakers (to be completed)

* to be confirmed

Abstract submission

More information will be made available in spring 2020.

Program

The program will be published in July 2020.

Workshop fees

	until May 31, 2020	June 1, 2020 until August 15, 2020
Academic/University	340 €	390 €
Industry and Private Sector	790 €	950 €

Besides full workshop attendance, the fee includes all coffee breaks, a reception with food and drinks, one dinner, two lunches, and an abstract book. Attendees will be responsible for their own travel, lodging, and other meals.

Please note the terms and conditions

For payment you can choose between credit card (Visa, Master Card) and bank transfer. Possible bank charges have to be paid by the participant. Please note, that we do not accept checks.
A few days after online registration, you will receive an email notification including a PDF file that gives detailed 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 considered invalid.
A receipt of payment 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, 2020, 75 % of the received registration fee will be reimbursed. In case of cancellations after August 15, 2020, 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.
Schedule and content of this event is 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 (press releases, event website, etc.). If you do not want us to use pictures in which you appear, please inform us in written form.

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.

Details on the fee waiver application process will be published at a later date.

Registration

The registration will open in Spring 2020.