In-person Workshop

Application Deadline: March 15, 2024

Workshop Date: June 11-15, 2024

Location: University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC

Application Form: CAN-ASC Workshop Application

Event Program: CAN-ASC Workshop Program

The Canadian Autoimmunity Standardization Core (CAN-ASC) is excited to offer our first hands-on, laboratory and lecture-based workshop. CAN-ASC was formed by national leaders in immunology to standardize and improve the quality of immunological research in Canada. This 3.5-day workshop is designed to advance the ability of attendees to design and conduct common standard operating procedures (SOPs) and learn new immunological techniques. This workshop is hosted in collaboration with ImmunoT, a UBC-based immunotherapeutic cluster focused on reducing the translational gaps between basic scientists, clinicians, industry, and health-policy experts.

What will you learn?

This workshop presents the opportunity to learn the best practices for common immunological techniques while expanding attendees’ skills and knowledge. Attendees will attend lectures as a group and practice lab work in smaller groups to truly hone their new skills. 

Topics and techniques include:

• CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing of primary human immune cells
• CITE-seq experimental design, starting from panel design to the computational analysis
• Optimized methodology for freezing, thawing, and handling PBMCs
• Activation induced marker (AIM) assays
• Flow cytometer setup and FlowJo analysis of complex flow cytometry panels

Lecturers: Dr. Megan Levings (UBC), Dr. Sabine Ivison (UBC), Sarah Colpitts (University of Toronto), Jamie McNicol (McMaster), Megan Hagerman (McMaster)

Eligibility

• Trainees (Master's students and PhD) and research personnel (e.g., research technicians) conducting immunology research at an academic Canadian institution 
• Applicants must be working on a research project related to human autoimmunity.
• An intermediate understanding of flow cytometry (e.g., ability to design and run a 4-6 colour panel), cell culture, and handling of primary cells is required, as these skills will be built upon and not taught from the basics.
• Space in the workshop is limited to 15-18 people, therefore only 1 person per supervisor will be selected to give the opportunity for different labs to attend. 
• Attendees will be selected based on the quality of their application. Regional location and level of training may also be considered with the intention of bringing together trainees and research personnel from different areas in Canada and levels of experience.

Date and Location

The workshop will be held at the University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute in Vancouver, BC, from June 11-15, 2024. The workshop will last 3.5 days.

Click on the button below to view the event program. 

Cost and Funding 

One of CAN-ASC's main goals is to increase the accessibility and dissemination of immunology SOPs and to teach new techniques to laboratories that otherwise would not have the resources to learn them. The major costs of the workshop are therefore covered by CAN-ASC, including flights, accommodations for non-Vancouver attendees, and a daily food per diem. Ground transportation will not be covered by CAN-ASC. 

CAN-ASC and this workshop are funded by the CIHR Team Grant: Human Immunology Initiative: Standardization Core. We are grateful for the opportunity to advance the quality of human immunology research in Canada.

Accommodations

Attendees will be hosted at UBC's Walter Gage Residence. Accommodations are included in the cost of the workshop and the rooms comprise of 4 private bedrooms with shared bathroom, kitchen, living area, and balcony.

Applications will be open until March 15, 2024. Please contact macyn.leung@bcchr.ca with any questions.