NSW Health Pathology
I found the QIMR flow cytometry methods course very useful to attend and was very appreciative to gain a scholarship. There were many wonderful speakers and topics ranged from quality assurance, practical troubleshooting solutions, to the many uses of flow, from immunophenotyping and MRD to immunological testing to new research uses. The exciting new advances to flow cytometry such as spectral flow, flow imaging and uses in infectious disease or solid tumours were fascinating. The small group tutorials were a great opportunity to ask questions and learn in a less formal setting.
The best part of the course was that there was something for everyone whether you are just a beginner in flow cytometry or have many years of experience. It was also applicable to scientists, doctors and researchers alike. I also found the social aspect of the course great as I was able to meet with many others who work in the field within Australia and overseas and build connections.
Griffith University
I thoroughly enjoyed attending the QIMR flow methods course. For me the ability to learn from and have discussions with scientists of that calibre was invaluable, especially this early in my science career. The tips and tricks given in all of the seminars and practical demonstrations will undoubtedly take days off working up specific assays in the future. Both the facilities and the staff of the core lab were amazing, with the dedication of the staff to the facility evident. My fellow participants were from all walks of science and it was a fantastic opportunity to network with individuals from around Australia. I would highly recommend attending the QIMR course to anyone who wants to learn from the best minds in the field.
The Westmead Institute
The 2019 Flow Cytometry Methods Course was an amazing opportunity for scientists with varying degrees of flow cytometry experience to broaden and deepen their knowledge. I’ve learnt a vast array of applications that flow cytometry can be used for that I never would have known prior to attending the course. Whether it be to determine drug effects on malaria-infected cells, identification of bacterial specimens or even live imaging of cells as they go through the flow cytometer, there’s just so much to learn in each workshop. Not to mention, the copious amounts of knowledge from several leading flow cytometry specialists in the field made the experience that much more incredible!
As a beginner in flow cytometry, being able to delve into the broader applications of it was a real eye-opening experience and interacting with other flow cytometry users really showcases how important this technique is in both clinical and research applications. The lectures really deepened my understanding of how flow cytometry works and then being able to directly apply that knowledge into the workshops further strengthened the concepts I had learned. On top of all this, learning about the future of flow cytometry, and having first-hand experience with novel and exciting cytometers such as the Amnis Imaging Flow Cytometer and the Cytek Aurora Spectral Flow Cytometer, really made this an invaluable course for all participants.