In vitro gametogenesis and in vitro follicle culture training

This workshop is organized by Gamete Research Centre, University of Antwerp.

This initiative will bring together specialists working with different species to nurture the development of new ideas and brainstorm on solutions to practical problems.

Specialists from the Gamete Research Centre, core facilities of the University of Antwerp (Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy (ACAM) and Flow cytometry and cell sorting core facility (FACSUA)) and invited speakers Prof. C. De Schauwer (University of Ghent), Prof. E. Anckaert (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Prof. E. Telfer (University of Edinburgh) will share their experiences in this field on a theoretical and practical level.

By keeping it a small initiative with a max. of only 20 participants we really want to create and facilitate an informal atmosphere. In an interactive way every participant will be stimulated to learn and ask questions at any level. In a comfortable environment young researchers will have the opportunity to interact with a high-level prominent names in the field of study.

This is a domain-specific training for doctoral and/or postdoctoral researchers and/or ZAP with the aim to deepen their domain-specific and/or methodological knowledge and skills in the context of in vitro gametogenesis.

Specialists from the Gamete Research Centre, core facilities of the University of Antwerp (Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy (ACAM) and Flow cytometry and cell sorting core facility (FACSUA)) and invited speakers Prof. C. De Schauwer (University of Ghent), Prof. E. Anckaert (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Prof. E. Telfer (University of Edinburgh) will share their experiences in this field on a theoretical and practical level.

The workshop is free of charge but registration is mandatory. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis with a maximum of 20 participants. Register online before 20th August 2023.

Day 1 Tuesday 12^th September 2023

Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Building Q, room D.Q.003

9h00     Welcome Coffee

9h30     Welcome talk by the workshop organiser (Prof. Appeltant, UAntwerp)

9h40     Welcome talk by chairman of the research group (Prof. Bols, UAntwerp)

9h55     Introduction to stem cells by Prof. De Schauwer (UGent)

10h15   In vitro gametogenesis by Prof. Telfer (University of Edinburgh)

11h15   Coffee break

11h30   In vitro gametogenesis in the pig by Ms. de Sousa (UAntwerp)

12h15   General Q&A

12h30   Lunch

13h30   In vitro follicle culture by Prof. Telfer (University of Edinburgh)

14h15   In vitro follicle culture in the pig by Ms. de Sousa (UAntwerp)

14h30   General Q&A

14h45   Coffee break

15h00   Tour at the Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy (ACAM)

18h00   Workshop dinner

Day 2 Wednesday 13^rd September 2023: In vitro gametogenesis

Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Building U, room D.U.023

9h00     Introduction to cell sorting by Flow cytometry and cell sorting core facility (FACSUA)

9h30     Demonstration of methodology (collection, digestion)

10h00   Demonstration of methodology (sorting and culture)

10h30   Coffee break

10h45   Hands-on training in vitro gametogenesis

12h00   Lunch

13h00   Visit Antwerp centre. Specific activity TBD.

17h00   End of the day

Day 3 Thursday 14^th September 2023: In vitro follicle culture

Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Building U, room D.U.023

9h00     Introduction to bovine follicle culture by Prof. Bols (UAntwerp)

9h15     Introduction to murine follicle culture by Prof. Anckaert (VUB)

9h30     Demonstration of methodology (dissection, tissue culture)

10h00   Demonstration of methodology (follicle isolation, follicle culture)

10h30   Coffee break

10h45   Hands-on training in vitro follicle culture

12h00   Debriefing and conclusion of the workshop

12h15   Lunch

13h00   End of the workshop