3rd Biophotonics Summer School 2026

We are delighted to announce the 3rd edition of the St Andrews Biophotonics Summer School, hosted by the Centre for Biophotonics and taking place 22nd to 26th June 2026.

Experimental sessions were a great immersion into real bioimaging, very helpful to see other methods than everyday lab routine. Overall instructors were very helpful and supportive. Would definitely recommend this to colleagues.

This immersive Summer School offers a unique opportunity to explore state-of-the-art imaging and mechanical manipulation techniques, spanning scales from single molecules to cells and tissues. Designed with a strong practical focus, the programme combines introductory lectures (9:00–11:00) with intensive, hands-on experimental modules delivered in small groups of 4–5 participants.

Each module is taught by leading experts in the field, ensuring both scientific depth and direct access to cutting-edge expertise. The School is run in a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities for discussion, networking, and scientific exchange.

The Summer School is aimed at postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, early-career researchers, and industry scientists across the physical and life sciences who are keen to develop skills in advanced microscopy and biophotonics.

Planned modules and techniques for 2026 include:

  • Hybrid force–fluorescence microscopy using dual optical tweezers (Dr Tomas Soolsma, guest lecturer, LUMICKS)
  • 4D confocal microscopy (Dr Marcus Bischoff)
  • FRET biosensing in cells (Dr Paolo Annibale)
  • Single-molecule FRET (Prof Carlos Penedo)
  • Super-resolution microscopy (Dr Sven Truckenbrodt, guest lecturer)
  • Single-particle tracking (Dr Juan Varela)
  • Raman microscopy and spectroscopy (Dr Graham Bruce)
  • Light-sheet microscopy (Dr Graham Bruce)
  • Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (Dr Paolo Annibale)
  • Image scanning microscopy with SPAD array (Dr Andrea Bucci, guest lecturer)
  • Holographic optical trapping (Prof Andrea di Falco)

Join us in St Andrews for a week of hands-on training, cutting-edge science, and interdisciplinary networking at the forefront of biophotonics

Registration for the Summer School

Places for the 2026 Centre for Biophotonics Summer School are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so early registration is strongly encouraged.

The registration fee includes:

  • Lunch each day
  • Coffee breaks throughout the week
  • The conference dinner

Registration fees:

  • Internal (University of St Andrews): £250
  • External academic participants: £700

A limited number of bursaries may be available. For further information, please contact Prof. Carlos Penedo ([email protected]) or Dr Paolo Annibale ([email protected]).

👉 To register, please click here to access the registration page.

ACCOMODATION FACILITIES

Registrants will be able to book accomodation in the David Russell Residence Apartments at a discounted price. The discount will be available until the end of May 2026. To book accomodation please follow the instructions in the school registration webpage

We kindly acknowledge our sponsors:

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