This course is designed for researchers, imaging scientists, and core facility professionals seeking to expand their expertise in state-of-the-art light microscopy and image analysis. This intensive five-day course combines comprehensive theoretical instruction with extensive hands-on training to provide participants with practical skills in advanced bioimaging technologies.

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The course will cover advanced light microscopy principles and applications, with lectures and practical sessions on a range of fluorescence microscopy techniques. Participants will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge microscopy platforms while learning the fundamentals of experimental design, image acquisition, image quality assessment, and quantitative imaging. The course also includes dedicated modules on advanced image analysis workflows, reproducible research practices, and the ethical use of imaging data.

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To bridge theory with real-world applications, the course will feature research seminars by leading scientists, highlighting how advanced microscopy is being used to address important biological and biomedical research questions. These sessions will demonstrate how high-quality image acquisition and rigorous image analysis can be integrated to generate meaningful scientific insights.

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The course is designed to strengthen advanced bioimaging capacity across India by equipping participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to design, perform, analyse, and interpret advanced microscopy experiments. It is an intensive, full-time training programme that combines lectures, practical demonstrations, hands-on laboratory sessions, and interactive discussions. Full-time participation throughout the five days is mandatory.

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Organizers and Resource Persons

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• Dr. Shantanu Pradhan – Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, India

• Dr. Gunjan Mehta – Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, India

• Dr. Nitin Mohan – Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, India

• Dr. Santosh Podder – Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, India

• Dr. Lakshmi Balasubramanian – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), Bengaluru, India

• Dr. Suganya Sivagurunathan – SciLifeLab, Sweden

• Dr. Saumitra Dey Choudhury – All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)

• Dr. Nihit Saigal, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Germany

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Who Can Attend?

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This course is intended for M.Sc/M.Tech. final-year students, Integrated Ph.D. (I-Ph.D.), Ph.D. students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty members from universities and colleges, and imaging core facility professionals who wish to strengthen their expertise in advanced microscopy, image analysis, and quantitative bioimaging. 

 

Prior hands-on experience in microscopy and image analysis is mandatory, as this course is designed for participants with a foundational understanding of these techniques.

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Applicants associated with research laboratories or imaging core facilities where light microscopy forms a central component of research, and who are responsible for providing access to, maintaining, or delivering training in light microscopy technologies for researchers at their institution or the broader scientific community, are especially encouraged to apply.

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We particularly encourage applications from researchers based in non-Tier 1 cities across India, where access to advanced imaging infrastructure and specialized training opportunities is limited. To promote equitable capacity building, approximately 70% of the selected participants will be from these regions.

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Practical Information:

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The course is limited to 20 participants. Please note that applications without a letter of motivation will not be considered for selection.

 

Registration:

Registration fees (inclusive of taxes) for selected candidates:  

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M.Sc: INR 10500.00 (Non-member) **

PhD/PDF: INR 13500.00 (Non-member) **

Faculty/Staff: INR 16500.00 (Non-member) **

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**Discounted fees for members of the Bioimagining Society, India. 

​**Student members of the BioImaging Society, India, are eligible to apply for the student travel grants (limited in number).

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 The registration fee covers course materials, breakfasts, meals, coffee breaks, and accommodation. Lodging will be arranged in double-occupancy rooms at IIT Madras guest house. Participants are responsible for booking and covering their travel expenses.

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How to Apply:

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​Please click here to apply: https://forms.gle/3aubpGYeSSvB54vr9

​(Application will open from 15th August 2026)

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Enter the required details, and upload your motivation letter and a recommendation letter from the HOD (for M.Sc students) or PI (for PhD students and postdocs). The letters should be in PDF format and below 1MB. The application deadline is 30th September, 2026. Selected candidates will be informed via e-mail and asked to register.

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​​​Instructions for Motivation Letter:

1. Include your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, showing why you would be suitable for the course.
    

2. Explain why you would like to attend, including what you can contribute and how you think you will benefit from the course.
    

​Prerequisites for Application:

• Prior hands-on experience in microscopy and basic knowledge of image Analysis using ImageJ or Fiji is mandatory

• Successful applicants will have to bring their laptops for the course.

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques and their applications in biological research.

• Gain hands-on experience in setting up, optimizing, and performing advanced imaging experiments using state-of-the-art fluorescence microscopy systems.

• Critically evaluate experimental design, data acquisition strategies, and image interpretation through discussions with experts in the field.

• Apply advanced image analysis workflows, including quantitative image analysis and AI-assisted image analysis tools.

• Implement best practices for image acquisition, data management, and quantitative image analysis.

• Understand the principles of reproducible bioimaging, including data documentation, reporting standards, and ethical handling of imaging data.

• Report microscopy experiments in accordance with current community standards to ensure transparency, reproducibility, and scientific rigor.

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How to reach IIT Madras​: 

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