October 1 2026, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam
Organized by the Erasmus Optical Imaging Center (OIC)
- October 1, 2026
- Location: Erasmus MC, Rotterdam
- Full day: 10:00-17:00
- Max. number of participants: 20
- Deadline for registration: September 1, 2026
- Registration is free*
- Precise details on the program will follow later
Topics covered: From optogenetic switch development to spatio-temporal control of cellular processes on a microscope
Optogenetics uses genetically encoded light responsive molecules to control biological processes at the cell, tissue and organism level. Optogenetics has broad utility to not only interrogate a variety of biological processes, but also to control and direct such processes, and therefore holds great potential to advance tissue-engineering or organ-on-chip development. The optogenetics toolkit has expanded rapidly in recent years, and spatiotemporal control of many biological processes is now within reach. This workshop aims to help researchers gain insight into how to apply optogenetics in their own research, and or advise others.
Goals of the Workshop:
- Gain insight into various optogenetic switches that enable optogenetic control of signaling/ transcription/ cytoskeleton dynamics/intracellular transport.
- Learn how to construct new opto-switches for your own research questions.
- Learn how to perform optogenetic manipulation on various microscopes. (light sources, wavelengths, pulse frequency)
(This workshop will not broadly cover channelrhodopsins and control of neuronal activity)
The workshop will consist of:
- Lectures on the basics of optogenetics, and advanced optogenetic cell control (including feedback control) by the following speakers:
Joachim Goedhart (UVA), Alfredo Rates (UU), Wilco Nijenhuis (UU), Jeffrey van Haren (Erasmus MC) - Hands-on practical sessions to learn the ins and outs of optogenetic cell control
For whom:
Researchers in Cell/Tissue Biology, Developmental biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Tissue engineering, Advanced Imaging.
* Lunch will be provided.
Due to the limited number of available spots in case of a no-show, a fee will be charged
