The Electron Microscopy Hands-On Course: sample preparation and imaging of marine environmental samples arises from a very strong and active collaboration between the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn and the EMBL in Heidelberg.
The aim of the course is to provide a theoretical and practical training on electron microscopy starting from the basics to the preparation of samples with high pressure freezing and image acquisition using TEM and SEM.
The course will also include lectures on advanced and recently developed technologies as volume electron microscopy and correlative light-electron microscopy.
The course will be held at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples on 8-11 April 2026 and will target in particular researchers and technicians from scientific institutions interested in the field of electron microscopy. No documented experience in electron microscopy is required.
Theoretical lessons
Sample preparation for EM – Chemical fixations
Sample preparation for EM - High pressure Freezing- Freeze substitution
Image formation in TEM and SEM
Sectioning difficult marine organisms
Immunolabeling
Correlative Light Electron Microscopy
Volume Electron Microscopy
Case studies (lectures by Fellows from ZooCELL Doctoral Network)
Practical lessons
Sample preparation: from the sea to the tube
Sample preparation for SEM
Ultramicrotomy
High pressure freezing
Image acquisition at TEM
Image acquisition at SEM
Teachers
Giovanna Benvenuto, SZN
Alexandra Kerbl, COS Heidelberg
Karel Mocaer, COS Heidelberg
Viola Oorschot, EMBL, Heidelberg
Paolo Ronchi, EMBL, Heidelberg
Fellows from ZooCELL Doctoral Network
Keynote lecturer
Detlev Arendt, EMBL, Heidelberg (title TBD)
ORGANIZERS: Giovanna Benvenuto, Alexandra Kerbl, Karel Mocaer and Paolo Ronchi
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