BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Life Science Index - ECPv6.17.4.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://lsindex.co.uk X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Life Science Index REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20280326T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20281029T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T083000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260924T163000 DTSTAMP:20260707T125832Z CREATED:20260428T090509Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T125832Z UID:4388-1789979400-1790267400@lsindex.co.uk SUMMARY:Mouse Embryo and Spermatozoa Cryopreservation DESCRIPTION:Cost is inclusive of accommodation\n\nCryopreservation allows long-term storage of embryos and sperm\, providing a convenient way to preserve\, protect and transport mouse lines for use in research. Archiving scientifically relevant mouse lines also adheres to good animal welfare practices by removing the need for continued animal breeding and is integral to any comprehensive colony management programme.\n\nRunning bi-annually since 2004\, this course provides practical experience in murine embryo and spermatozoa freezing techniques routinely used at MRC Harwell and a simple\, robust in vitro fertilisation procedure. The course will also cover the basic laboratory skills required when working in an assisted reproductive biology environment such as pipetting\, weighing\, microscope use\, and embryo handling.\n\nWho is this for? \n\n Researchers\n Senior animal technicians\n PhD students\n\nFollowing this course\, you will have:\n\n Practical experience of sperm harvesting and freezing/thawing\n A clear understanding to set up and in vitro fertilisation session using both frozen and freshly harvested sperm\n Practical experience of oocyte and embryo harvesting for in vitro fertilisation and embryo freezing\, respectively\n Practical experience of embryo cryopreservation/thawing using a simple vitrification method\n An understanding of surgical embryo transfer\, including some practical experience of pre-operative aseptic techniques and sub-cuticular suturing\n Practical experience of non-surgical embryo transfer techniques\n An understanding of the current methods used for handling and shipping samples and managing a cryo-archive\, as well as an overview of blastocyst genotyping URL:https://lsindex.co.uk/event/mouse-embryo-and-spermatozoa-cryopreservation/ LOCATION:Advance training centre\, MRC Harwell\, Harwell Campus\, OX11 0RD CATEGORIES:Training and CPD Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lsindex.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Hero-Template_v08-Transgenics_Mouse-Embryo-and-Spermatozoa-Cryopreservation-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell":MAILTO:training@har.mrc.ac.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261005T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261007T170000 DTSTAMP:20260707T125902Z CREATED:20260601T100037Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T125902Z UID:4475-1791194400-1791392400@lsindex.co.uk SUMMARY:Mouse Genetics and Colony Management for Researchers DESCRIPTION:This course explores more complex genetic topics\, including multiple allele crosses\, complex disease models and will inform breeding strategies and experimental design rather than give a complete guide to the molecular biology. Our team of experienced trainers will support you to examine how different modifications lead to different breeding strategies\, the importance of genetic consistency and integrity and different modes of inheritance. There will be multiple workshops throughout the course and a focus on troubleshooting unexpected issues when looking after Genetically Altered (GA) mouse lines. \nWho is this for? \n\n\n Colony Managers\n Researchers\n PhD Students\n\nAfter the course\, you will be able to: \n\n\n Understand genetic drift and how to maintain the genetic integrity of simple and complex GA lines\n Understand GA nomenclature and why it is important\n Predict the outcomes of genetic crosses involving multiple alleles\, including chromosomal linkage and sex-linked genes\n Perform multiple allele inheritance and breeding calculations\n Understand the fundamentals of different methods that give rise to GA mouse strains\n Troubleshoot breeding and colony maintenance issues\n Know the basics of breeding conditional transgenic models\n Discuss blinding and randomising GA experiments URL:https://lsindex.co.uk/event/mouse-genetics-and-colony-management-for-researchers/ LOCATION:Advance training centre\, MRC Harwell\, Harwell Campus\, OX11 0RD CATEGORIES:Training and CPD Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lsindex.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Hero-Template_v08-Genetics_Mouse-Genetics-and-Colony-Management-for-Researchers-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell":MAILTO:training@har.mrc.ac.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261014T093000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261014T163000 DTSTAMP:20260707T125951Z CREATED:20260601T100148Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T125951Z UID:4480-1791970200-1791995400@lsindex.co.uk SUMMARY:Laboratory Skills for Animal Technicians DESCRIPTION:Having the knowledge and confidence to work safely in the laboratory is a valuable skill for all animal technicians. This course will cover basic theoretical and practical laboratory skills including following COSHH risk assessments\, best laboratory practice\, use of fume hoods/biosafety cabinets\, centrifuges and other laboratory equipment\, pipetting skills\, using balances and preparing reagents and solutions. \nA sustainability module is also included to highlight ways to reduce the environmental impact of laboratory work. Participants will explore practical ways to improve sustainability in the laboratory by reducing energy consumption and minimising the use of plastics and water and promoting more sustainable supply chain practices. \nWho is this for? \n\n\n Animal Technicians who would like to develop their laboratory skills\n\nAfter the course you will be able to: \n\n\n Read and understand the purpose of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) risk assessment (RA) forms\n Process blood samples for further analysis\n Correctly use fume hoods\, biosafety cabinets\, centrifuges and other general laboratory equipment\n Choose the correct pipette for your task and perform common pipetting techniques\n Set up and use balances to accurately weigh both substances and animals.\n Calculate doses of substances and prepare them accurately.\n Adjust the pH of solutions\n Incorporate sustainability considerations into laboratory work to support efficient and environmentally responsible research URL:https://lsindex.co.uk/event/laboratory-skills-for-animal-technicians-2/ LOCATION:Advance training centre\, MRC Harwell\, Harwell Campus\, OX11 0RD CATEGORIES:Training and CPD Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lsindex.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Hero-Template_v08-Lab-Skills_Laboratory-Skills-for-Animal-Technicians-3.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell":MAILTO:training@har.mrc.ac.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261014T093000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261014T170000 DTSTAMP:20260804T084432Z CREATED:20260804T084431Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T084432Z UID:4550-1791970200-1791997200@lsindex.co.uk SUMMARY:Genome Engineering and Validation by Long Read Sequencing DESCRIPTION:This interactive training session explores the use of long read sequencing (LRS) technologies for validating engineered alleles in both cellular and embryonic genome engineering contexts. Participants will learn the principles of genome editing design\, how LRS compares to traditional validation methods\, and how to select the appropriate sequencing modality for different allele types and experimental materials. \nWho is this for? \nThis workshop is designed for Early-career researchers and Experienced technicians \n\n\n seeking foundational knowledge in genome editing and sequencing technologies.\n aiming to refine protocols\, troubleshoot workflows\, and deepen data analysis skills.\n\nThis course covers topics including: \n\n\n A primer on genome editing strategies and allele design\n Protocols for sequencing and data generation\n Software tools for data analysis\n Hands-on exercises with real datasets\n Case studies from in-house and outsourced sequencing projects\n\nLearning Outcomes: \n\n\n Understand genome editing principles and allele design strategies\n Learn the rationale for using LRS in validation workflows\n Gain confidence in interpreting sequencing data and alignment files\n Update and optimize genome editing and sequencing protocols\n Compare LRS platforms and outsourcing options\n Deepen skills in troubleshooting and data analysis using .bam files\n\nWorkshop Agenda: \n1. Genome Editing Principles & Allele Design \n\n\n Overview of genome editing technologies (e.g.\, CRISPR/Cas9\, base editing)\n Strategies for designing engineered alleles\n Design implications for validation\n Considerations for validation in cells and animals\n\n2. Targeted Sequencing Modalities \n\n\n Why use LRS instead of Sanger?\n Overview of LRS platforms and their relevance to allele validation\n Choosing the right approach for your allele and material\n\n3. Experimental Workflows \n\n\n Sample preparation and library construction\n Platform-specific considerations (e.g.\, ONT\, PacBio)\n Adaptations for sample types (cell culture\, founder animals\, subsequent generation)\n\n4. Step-by-Step Protocols \n\n\n Practical guidance for generating high-quality data\n\n5. Data Analysis & Software Tools \n\n\n Principles of LRS data interpretation\n Overview of analysis software\n Guided exercises with real datasets\n\n6. Deep Dive into Alignment Files (.bam) \n\n\n How to read and interpret .bam files\n Examples from in-house and outsourced sequencing\n Platform-specific nuances and troubleshooting URL:https://lsindex.co.uk/event/genome-engineering-and-validation-by-long-read-sequencing-2/ LOCATION:Advance training centre\, MRC Harwell\, Harwell Campus\, OX11 0RD CATEGORIES:Training and CPD Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lsindex.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Hero-Template_v08-Transgenics_Genome-Engineering-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell":MAILTO:training@har.mrc.ac.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261026T093000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261027T163000 DTSTAMP:20260707T130042Z CREATED:20260601T102356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T130042Z UID:4487-1793007000-1793118600@lsindex.co.uk SUMMARY:Mouse Necropsy and Tissue Processing DESCRIPTION:This 2-day course provides practical training in how to perform a basic standard mouse necropsy and describe gross observations made during the process. It then covers considerations for the treatment of tissues collected at necropsy\, some of the routinely used solutions and the cutting in of tissues in preparation for histological processing and embedding. \nFollowing the course\, you will be able to: \n\n\n Perform a basic standard mouse necropsy\n Describe gross observations at necropsy\n Gain an understanding of the rapid ‘emergency’ opening\n Select suitable tissues for histology and further analysis\n Perform a standard cut-in\n\nWho is this for: \n\n\n Researchers\n Animal Technicians\n PhD Students\n\n\n\nThis training is approved by the Royal Society of Biology. Training course approval is an independent review process that recognises relevant\, high quality training. Upon completion of this course\, attendees can claim 48 CPD points. URL:https://lsindex.co.uk/event/mouse-necropsy-and-tissue-processing-2/ LOCATION:Advance training centre\, MRC Harwell\, Harwell Campus\, OX11 0RD CATEGORIES:Training and CPD Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lsindex.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Hero-Template_v08-Pathology_Mouse-Necropsy-and-Tissue-Processing-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell":MAILTO:training@har.mrc.ac.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261104T093000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261104T163000 DTSTAMP:20260702T083330Z CREATED:20260702T083330Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T083330Z UID:4511-1793784600-1793809800@lsindex.co.uk SUMMARY:Best Practices in Laboratory Management DESCRIPTION:Laboratory management is a subject that is often learned on the job\, with limited training opportunities for those new to the role. This course is aimed at both researchers who are new to management\, and managers who are new to the laboratory setting. It will provide a foundation of knowledge in various areas of laboratory management that participants can use to improve practices in their own workplace. \nA sustainability module is also included. This module is designed for laboratory leaders and decision-makers\, focusing on strategies to reduce the environmental impact of laboratory operations. It highlights how leadership can drive sustainable change by implementing policies and practices that minimise resource consumption and promote responsible innovation. Participants will examine practical and strategic approaches to enhance sustainability across laboratory systems — including optimizing energy efficiency\, reducing plastic and water usage\, and fostering sustainable supply chain partnerships. \nWho is this for? \n\n\n Researchers who have recently moved into laboratory management\n Managers who are new to science\n\nThis course covers topics including: \n\n\n Laboratory Health and Safety\, including Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).\n Sustainable Laboratory Practices\n Inventory Management\n Quality Management Systems\n Research Integrity URL:https://lsindex.co.uk/event/best-practices-in-laboratory-management-3/ LOCATION:Advance training centre\, MRC Harwell\, Harwell Campus\, OX11 0RD CATEGORIES:Training and CPD Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lsindex.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Hero-Template_v08-Lab-Skills_Best-Practices-in-Laboratory-Management-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell":MAILTO:training@har.mrc.ac.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261118T093000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261118T163000 DTSTAMP:20260804T084558Z CREATED:20260804T084557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T084558Z UID:4555-1794994200-1795019400@lsindex.co.uk SUMMARY:Practical Laboratory Skills DESCRIPTION:Having the knowledge and confidence to work safely in the laboratory is an essential skill for all staff working in laboratories. This course will cover basic theoretical and practical laboratory skills including preparing COSHH risk assessments\, good laboratory practice\, use of fume hoods/biosafety cabinets\, centrifuges and other laboratory equipment\, pipetting skills\, using balances and preparing reagents and solutions.\n\nA sustainability module is also included to highlight ways to reduce the environmental impact of laboratory work. Participants will explore practical ways to improve sustainability in the laboratory by reducing energy consumption and minimising the use of plastics and water and promoting more sustainable supply chain practices.\n\nWho is this for?\n\n Research Staff\n Technical Staff and students new to the laboratory environment\n Experienced personnel looking to refresh their skills\n\nAfter the course you will be able to:\n\n Prepare and understand the purpose of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) risk assessment (RA) forms\n Understand the importance of good laboratory practice\, including choosing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintaining accurate laboratory records\n Correctly use fume hoods\, biosafety cabinets\, centrifuges and other general laboratory equipment\n Choose the correct pipette for your task and perform common techniques\n Set up and use balances correctly\n Prepare reagents and solutions\n Adjust the pH of solutions\n Incorporate sustainability considerations into laboratory work to support efficient and environmentally responsible research\n\n\n\n\nThis training is approved by the Royal Society of Biology. Training course approval is an independent review process that recognises relevant\, high quality training. Upon completion of this course\, attendees can claim 21 CPD points. URL:https://lsindex.co.uk/event/practical-laboratory-skills-6/ LOCATION:Advance training centre\, MRC Harwell\, Harwell Campus\, OX11 0RD CATEGORIES:Training and CPD Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lsindex.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Hero-Template_v08-Lab-Skills_Practical-Laboratory-Skills-7.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell":MAILTO:training@har.mrc.ac.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261130T090000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261130T160000 DTSTAMP:20260702T083231Z CREATED:20260702T083231Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T083231Z UID:4516-1796029200-1796054400@lsindex.co.uk SUMMARY:Mouse Necropsy DESCRIPTION:This course provides practical training in how to perform a basic standard mouse necropsy and describe gross observations made during this process. \nWho is it for? \n\n\n Researchers\n Animal Technicians\n PhD Students\n\nFollowing the course\, you will be able to: \n\n\n Perform a basic standard mouse necropsy\n Describe gross observations at necropsy\n Gain an understanding of the rapid ’emergency’ opening\n\n\n\nThis training is approved by the Royal Society of Biology. Training course approval is an independent review process that recognises relevant\, high quality training. Upon completion of this course\, attendees can claim 21 CPD points. URL:https://lsindex.co.uk/event/mouse-necropsy-3/ LOCATION:Advance training centre\, MRC Harwell\, Harwell Campus\, OX11 0RD CATEGORIES:Training and CPD Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lsindex.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Hero-Template_v08-Pathology_Mouse-Necropsy-4.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell":MAILTO:training@har.mrc.ac.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20270222T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270226T170000 DTSTAMP:20260901T151436Z CREATED:20260901T151435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T151436Z UID:4617-1803290400-1803661200@lsindex.co.uk SUMMARY:Mouse Models for Human Disease Workshop DESCRIPTION:This workshop addresses one of the key challenges in modern biomedical research: ensuring genetically altered (GA) mouse models are used appropriately\, rigorously\, and reproducibly. Designed for researchers with a basic understanding of mouse genetics\, it provides practical guidance on experimental design\, model selection\, breeding strategies\, and troubleshooting to help maximise the scientific value of GA mouse studies. \nMaking the Most of Genetically Altered Mouse Models \nGenetically altered mouse models are powerful tools for investigating gene function and disease mechanisms\, but their successful use requires careful planning and a clear understanding of the factors that can influence experimental outcomes. This workshop explores the critical variables to consider when designing studies\, including the selection of appropriate experimental and control groups\, the importance of genetic background\, and how strain choice can affect the interpretation and reproducibility of results. \nParticipants will gain an overview of the methods used to generate genetically altered mouse lines and learn which aspects of model generation are most important to understand when planning experiments or developing breeding strategies. The workshop also covers the essential quality control checks that should be completed before a new line is introduced into a research programme. \nA significant focus of the workshop is conditional mouse models and the technologies that underpin them\, including the Cre-Lox system and alternative recombinase platforms such as Flp\, Dre\, and Vika. These sophisticated systems allow researchers to manipulate gene expression in specific tissues or at defined time points\, enabling biological questions to be addressed that cannot be investigated using conventional constitutive knockout models. However\, their complexity also introduces opportunities for error and misinterpretation. Drawing on real-world examples\, we will examine common pitfalls associated with conditional models\, discuss how they arise\, and identify practical strategies to minimise their impact on experimental outcomes. \nThe workshop also provides guidance on sourcing and importing mouse models from repositories and collaborators. Participants will learn how to identify suitable strains\, assess available quality control information\, and avoid common issues that can arise when introducing new lines into an existing colony. \nAs genetic research becomes increasingly sophisticated\, the use of multiple alleles and complex breeding schemes is becoming routine. We will discuss how to design efficient breeding programmes\, generate appropriate controls\, minimise animal use where possible\, and ensure that important breeding-related variables are not overlooked. Particular attention will be given to factors that can affect reproducibility long before animals enter an experimental cohort. \nIn addition\, the workshop addresses common challenges encountered when managing genetically altered colonies\, including troubleshooting breeding problems and determining the next steps when a model does not behave as anticipated. Participants are encouraged to bring examples from their own research\, creating opportunities for discussion and collaborative problem-solving. \nLearning Outcomes \nBy the end of the workshop\, participants will be able to: \n\n\n Identify the critical variables that influence experiments using genetically altered mice.\n Select appropriate strains\, experimental groups\, and controls.\n Understand how genetically altered mouse lines are generated and validated.\n Recognise the strengths and limitations of conditional genetic systems.\n Assess the quality and suitability of mouse models obtained from repositories.\n Design effective breeding strategies for complex genetic models.\n Identify factors that influence reproducibility and experimental interpretation.\n Troubleshoot common colony management and experimental challenges.\n\nWho Should Attend? \nThis workshop is intended for researchers\, PhD students\, technical staff\, and colony managers who are using – or planning to use – genetically altered mouse models and who already have a foundational understanding of mouse genetics. It will be particularly valuable for those seeking to improve the robustness\, reproducibility\, and efficiency of their in vivo research programmes. \nPricing \nThere is a range of pricing options available to suit your needs: \n\n\n £2\,325 includes four nights’ accommodation (Monday to Thursday)\, transport to the Advance Training Centre\, lunch and refreshments throughout the week and a workshop evening meal\n £2\,420 includes five nights’ accommodation (Sunday to Thursday)\, transport to the Advance Training Centre\, lunch and refreshments throughout the week and a workshop evening meal\n £1\,355 lunch and refreshments throughout the week and a workshop evening meal (no accommodation or transport)\n\nCorporate sponsorship \nCorporate Sponsorship of the Mouse Models for Human Disease Workshop is available. For further details\, please email training@har.mrc.ac.uk. URL:https://lsindex.co.uk/event/mouse-models-for-human-disease-workshop-2/ LOCATION:Advance training centre\, MRC Harwell\, Harwell Campus\, OX11 0RD CATEGORIES:Training and CPD Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lsindex.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Hero-Template_v08-Practical-Workshop_Mouse-Models-for-Human-Disease-Workshop-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell":MAILTO:training@har.mrc.ac.uk END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR