Smart experimental design
Smart experimental design
2 December 2026, 09h00 - 17h00
4 December 2026, 09h00 - 17h00
9 December 2026, 09h00 - 12h30 (Q&A session)
General context
Designing experiments well is the key to obtaining reliable and impactful research results. Poorly planned experiments can waste time and resources and lead to misleading conclusions. In this training, you will discover the essential principles behind experimental design and understand why clear, structured planning makes experiments more efficient.
You will put these concepts into practice by working on realistic biotechnology research scenarios and using tools in R to design or optimize experiments. Dedicated time will be provided for discussing your own experimental design challenges.
- Understand the core principles of experimental design and why they influence research validity and efficiency
- Define clear research questions and identify key factors, sources of variability, and strategies to manage them
- Apply essential design concepts such as randomization, blocking, replication, and power to real-world scenarios
- Compare and implement different experimental design strategies, including regression methods, factorial and fractional designs, using R tools
- Evaluate and improve experimental plans through power studies and collaborative case-based exercises
The training blends core principles with hands-on exercises in R, complemented by group discussions and case-based applications to real-world biotech research.
You should have experience with R, and we offer a free online preparatory course that you can follow.
More information can be found on: Basic Statistics in R. If this course is full, contact janick.mathys@vib.be to obtain a seat.
This course is part of the learning path Statistics
The training was a good experience that expanded my knowledge and gave me new skills that I plan to apply directly to my work.
Participant edition 2024
It was such an interesting training given by just the right person who kept everyone excited. A training given at a really nice place and with really delicious food. For me, the training may have been one day longer for those things alone.
Participant edition spring 2023
I'm very satisfied about the training! I learned a lot, the session was very hands-on, supportive and useful for future experiments!
Participant edition spring 2021
Trainers
Joris De Wolf
Joris De Wolf has a long track record in biostatistics. He worked at Crop-Design, later BASF, as team leader of the biostatistics group. He was involved in the experimental design and start-up of the high-throughput phenotyping system TraitMill, design of the databases and streamlining of statistical analyses. Furthermore, he was responsible for the field testing pipeline and statistics on transgenic yield improvement. In 2016, he joined GSK vaccines. Currently he works full time as a biostatistics consultant.
Practical info
04 December 2026 - 09 December 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
04 December 2026 - 09 December 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
04 December 2026 - 09 December 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
04 December 2026 - 09 December 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.