Label-free Optical Imaging Technology Training Workshop

April 5th-11th, 2027 at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology 

Explore how label-free optical imaging can support your research through hands-on training with CLIMB researchers and imaging technologies.

The Second Annual CLIMB Technology Training Workshop offers practical experience in technology development, instrument operation, image acquisition, and analysis. Participants will explore approaches to imaging their own samples and analyzing their datasets while discussing research questions directly with the researchers developing these technologies.

Whether you are interested in incorporating a new imaging method into your laboratory, addressing an imaging challenge, or exploring approaches to generating preliminary data for a proposal, the workshop provides an opportunity to investigate how CLIMB technologies could fit your work.

What to Expect 

Participants will work alongside CLIMB researchers in a practical training environment, with activities addressing label-free imaging, computational imaging, AI, and virtual staining.

The workshop will offer opportunities to:

• Gain hands-on experience with CLIMB instrumentation and imaging systems.

• Explore image acquisition and analysis methods.

• Discuss applications of CLIMB technologies to your research.

• Evaluate your own samples or imaging datasets with CLIMB researchers.

• Share your research during a poster session and connect with other participants.

Who Should Apply?

The workshop is intended for senior graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, research scientists, and junior faculty with prior optical microscopy experience.

Researchers interested in applying label-free imaging and computational methods to their own work are encouraged to apply.

Bringing Your Research

Participants should plan to bring samples or imaging datasets, along with a poster for the workshop’s poster session. Working with your own research materials provides an opportunity to explore relevant methods and discuss practical questions with the CLIMB team.

Please contact Ali Ansari at aansari2@illinois.edu before making arrangements to transport samples so that sample suitability, preparation, and handling requirements can be discussed.

Meals, Housing, and Transportation

Lunch will be provided during the workshop. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their travel, housing, and transportation, including transportation to and from workshop activities.

CLIMB will recommend accommodation options to help participants plan their stay.