Generation and Utilisation of Cancer Organoid Models

The advent of the organoid technology has allowed us to initiate the derivation of the next-generation of cell models with the ability to efficiently create preclinical cell models from normal tissue, cancer types and diseases where it was once impossible. Organoid models are complex, requiring specific culture conditions. An understanding of these requirements will ensure the best chance of success when researchers begin using these models.

The aim of this course is to provide participants with a broad overview of this new cell model generation technology with a specific focus on cancer models and to provide practical experience, knowledge and confidence for participants to begin using these models in their own institutes and research projects.

Target audience: The course is aimed at scientists who wish to derive or utilise cancer organoid models as part of their work and/or research projects. Early career researchers, PhD students, postdoctoral scientists and staff from core facilities are eligible to apply. Participants will be expected to have cell culture experience but no experience in organoid model derivation, maintenance and expansion.

The course will primarily be hands-on guided by experienced instructors with a breadth of knowledge of the technology as well as the use of the models in downstream experiments and assays. The programme will include practical laboratory sessions, lectures and discussions covering the following topics:

• Cancer organoid generation from a human patient sample
• Identifying early signs of model generation success
• An understanding of model generation failure
• Maintenance, counting and expansion of organoid models
• Cryopreserving and thawing of models
• Performing transfections
• Flow cytometry analysis
• The use of suspension cultures for large expansions

Learning Outcomes

After attending this course, participants should be able to:

• Derive organoid models from patient cancer specimens.
• Expand, maintain and perform a variety of molecular biology techniques with the models including transfections and FACS.
• Understand the caveats of using these models and the quality control procedures that should be in place during their use.
• Have an overview of the online resources containing information and metadata on available organoid models.

Course Organisers

Charlotte Beaver 
Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK

Hayley Francies 
Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK

Hazel Rogers
Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK

Prerequisites

Participants will be expected to have cell culture experience but no experience in organoid model derivation, maintenance and expansion. This course is aimed at researchers who wish to derive or utilise cancer organoid models as part of their work and/or research project. It is suitable for early career researchers, PhD students, postdoctoral scientists and staff from core facilities.

How to Apply
Please click the Apply button above to begin the online application process. Places are limited and will be awarded on merit. If you have any problems with the online application process, please contact us.

Please note: Applications must be supported by a recommendation from a scientific or clinical sponsor (e.g. supervisor, line manager or head of department). A request for a supporting statement will be sent to your nominated sponsor automatically during the application process. Applicants must ensure that their sponsor provides this supporting statement by the application deadline. Applications without a supporting statement cannot be considered.

Travel visas
Successful applicants will be provided with a support letter for their visa application, if required.

Please visit the following websites for further information on visiting the UK:

• UK Border Agency website
• Information for general visitors and business visitors

*The course fee is subsidised by Wellcome Connecting Science Courses and Conferences and applies to non-commercial applicants. Please contact us for the commercial fee.

Bursaries

Limited bursaries are available (up to 50% reduction on the course fee) and are awarded on merit. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please complete the bursary section of the online application form.

Where there are many bursary applications, the selection committee may issue smaller amounts.

Bursaries can be applied for as part of the course application form. Applicants will be notified of a bursary award along with their place on the course, usually within one month of the application deadline. The decision of the selection committee is final.

Please note that both the applicant and sponsor are required to provide a justification for the bursary as part of the application.

Additional funding opportunities
Visit our support page for additional financial support currently available.

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