The II Latin-American School on Cryo‑Electron Microscopy is an intensive 10‑day advanced training program designed to strengthen regional expertise in cryo‑EM and its applications to microbial biotechnology in both health and environmental research. The course addresses the growing need for specialized training in structural imaging technologies such as Cryo‑EM, Single Particle Analysis (SPA), Cryo‑Electron Tomography (CryoET), and Cryo‑Focused Ion Beam SEM (Cryo‑FIB‑SEM), which are transforming fields including drug discovery, vaccine development, microbial pathogenesis, and the study of environmental microbiomes.
Intended Audience
The course is designed for researchers, graduate students, early‑career scientists, technicians, and professionals working in microbiology, biotechnology, structural biology, biophysics, molecular biology, and related fields. It is particularly suited for individuals involved in microbial research relevant to health, environmental sustainability, and biotechnological innovation in Latin America. Participants from universities and research institutions across Argentina and neighboring countries (Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, among others) will be prioritized.
What Participants Will Learn
Participants will gain a comprehensive foundation in cryo‑EM theory, instrumentation, and applications through a combination of lectures, hands‑on laboratory sessions, image‑processing workshops, and expert‑guided discussions. The course covers:
Fundamentals of Electron Microscopy: Principles of EM, negative staining, sample preparation, cryo‑fixation, image formation, contrast mechanisms, and overview of cryo‑EM core facilities.
Cryo‑EM Data Acquisition and Techniques: Introduction to SPA, CryoET, Cryo‑FIB‑SEM, in situ cryo‑EM, correlative microscopy, and high‑resolution imaging of microbial cells, proteins, viruses, and biomolecules.
Image Processing and Structural Analysis: Training in software such as RELION, cryoSPARC, and EMAN2; machine‑learning assisted data processing; 2D/3D classification; subtomogram averaging; atomic model building; and data interpretation.
Applications in Microbial Biotechnology: Structural studies of pathogens, bacterial toxins, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, enzyme engineering, viral entry, host‑pathogen interactions, and extremophile microbiology.
Wet Lab and Practical Sessions: Sample preparation for TEM and Cryo‑EM, vitrification techniques, grid handling, operation of in‑house TEM at CIME, and remote Cryo‑EM/Cryo‑FIB‑SEM sessions with NIH facilities.
Networking and Scientific Exchange: Poster sessions, group discussions, and interactions with regional and international experts to promote collaboration and capacity building for advanced bioimaging in Latin America.
This second edition builds upon the successful inaugural School supported by UNU‑BIOLAC in 2024 and aims to empower a new generation of scientists to apply state‑of‑the‑art structural imaging tools to pressing challenges in public health and environmental biotechnology across the region.
Application procedure
Applications will be received via this form (Google login required)
For more information, send your questions to valbarracin@csnat.unt.edu.ar or cime@conicet.gov.ar
Last day to apply: March 8th, 2026.
