Instruct
Instruct Partner
We are pleased to announce the eighth hands-on practical course on sample preparation for single-particle cryo-EM, jointly organized by the ESRF, EMBL Grenoble, and the IBS, continuing a successful series initiated in 2018.
Dates: May 19–22, 2026
Location: European Photon and Neutron Campus (EPN), Grenoble, France

© CEA/D. Morel
About the course
This 3-day workshop is designed for PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, staff scientists, and team leaders who are new to the field of single-particle cryo-EM.
The programme combines theoretical and practical training in sample preparation, including iterative grid screening and evaluation for sample optimisation. Participants will have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation on the EPN campus, including 2x Glacios and 2x Titan Krios microscopes and 4x Vitrobot systems.
The course will also include a demonstration of cryo-FIB milling for lamella preparation on vitrified cells using Aquilos instruments at IBS and EMBL Grenoble, providing insight into how single-particle cryo-EM connects to cryo-ET workflows.
Practical information
No registration fee | Accommodation and meals provided | Travel costs are not covered
A maximum of 16 participants will be selected. Participants may bring their own samples for testing during the workshop, subject to suitability.
Application
Applications are now open. Please complete this survey in order to be considered.
Deadline: April 12, 2026
Notification: within one week after the deadline
Practical details (venue, travel, accommodation) are available on the EPN Campus website.
Contact: cryo-em@ibs.fr
Sponsors: This in-person course is co-funded by Instruct-ERIC and FRISBI (ISBG), and further supported by Thermo Fisher Scientific.