Getting started with Flow Cytometry
Getting started with Flow Cytometry
28 April 2026, 10h00- 12h00
General context
Understanding how cells behave and interact is fundamental to many areas of life sciences. This introductory course on flow cytometry equips early-stage researchers and technical staff with the essential knowledge to follow the Computational cytometry summer school. Participants will learn how flow cytometers work, key concepts such as fluorescent markers, and common pitfalls to avoid. This course is specifically targeted to scientists who will follow the Computational cytometry summer school and who are new to flow cytometry.
- Describe the basic principles of flow cytometry, including how cells are detected and analysed.
- Identify the key components of a flow cytometer and explain their functions.
- Recognize common fluorescent markers and classify them based on their spectral properties.
- Evaluate the suitability of flow cytometry for specific experimental questions in biomedical research.
This 2-hour online course is delivered through a mix of presentations and interactive Q&A sessions. Participants are expected to follow the live content actively, contribute to discussions, and reflect on how the concepts apply to their own research.
If you intend to follow the Computational Cytometry Summer School and you have no experience with Flow Cytometry, this course is a prerequisite.
Trainers
Gert Van Isterdael
As head of the VIB Flow Core, Gert provides flow cytometry expertise to the users of the core facility by giving technical help to the scientists, maintaining the machines, implicating high quality SOPs as well as providing both experimental setup and data analysis consultations. The Flow Core develops novel automated analysis techniques for multi-parameter flow cytometry data to remove user bias in close collaboration with the on-site Bioinformatics team headed by Prof. Yvan Saeys.