2007 Training Course “Working with Human Embryonic Stem Cells 2007” Date: Monday 9th – Thursday 10th July 2007 Venue: The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, The University of Sheffield This four-day residential workshop gives participants the opportunity to work with world-leading experts in the field of human embryonic stem cell biology and gain practical experience of the culture and basic analysis of hES cells using a variety of cell lines. Laboratory practicals are supplemented with lectures of underlying concepts, the latest findings and the legal/ethical considerations in this fast moving field. The teaching faculty is composed of experienced staff of the CSCB as well as invited international experts. The course includes social events with ample opportunity for participants, to discuss their research projects and plans with faculty and to investigate potential collaborations. Participants of the course are given complimentary registration to the one-day International Symposium on Friday 13th July. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COURSE OVERVIEW – This course is limited to 16 students and provides detailed hands-on practical training in the maintenance of human embryonic stem cells A protocol handbook and training DVD will be provided. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- General curriculum: Regulatory and ethical issues;
Regulatory and ethical framework in the UK and elsewhere, legal and intellectual property issues. Where and how to obtain hES cell lines Principles of h ES cell culture. media preparation, feeder cells, growth factors and supplements; passage techniques Embryonic stem cell derivation
Embryo culture, Protocols for hES derivation. In situ immunofluorescence and flow cytometry; immunostaining of cell colonies, Flow cytometry principles and practice, multi-marker analysis.
Cryopreservation of cell lines
Principles of cryopreservation and basic methods, vitrification of hES cells, thawing and cell proliferation.
Methods of differentiation;
Principles of differentiation induction strategies, monolayer culture, embryoid bodies.
Transfection of hES cells;
Principles of hES cell transfection, vector design, transfection techniques and selection methods, establishing stably transfected hES cell lines, RNAi techniques. Quality control and assurance;
Maintaining cell quality, karyotypic of hES cells, avoiding infectious agents and assessing for contamination, GMP - moving towards clinical use. Establishing a hES research programme; Organising the laboratory, master and stock cell lines, monitoring, Regulatory issues.
Avoiding culture pitfalls and progress to GMP and clinical use.
How to avoid hES cell culture disasters, Design of research programme, troubleshooting. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- APPLICATION PROCESS Who can apply: The course is open to postgraduate research students, postdoctoral researchers, senior researchers and technicians from universities, research institutes and industry, intending to work in the area of hESC. The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 21st April, however, courses have been heavily over-subscribed in previous years so early application is advised due to limited places. The cost for the 2006 Training Course is £1300 for academics and £2100 for commercial participants. The fee includes accommodation, meals, entertainment, transportation between the accommodation and teaching facilities and registration to the one-day symposium. How to apply: Please send a current CV and covering letter, stating your current research objectives and justification for inclusion on this course to: Miss Claire Herridge Centre Co-ordinator Centre for Stem Cell Biology The University of Sheffield Alfred Denny Building Western Bank Sheffield S12 2TN Tel: +44 114 222 1082 Fax: +44 114 222 2399 Email: c.herridge@sheffield.ac.uk | 
