CEMOVIS Workshop

DCI–Bern Practical Workshop on CEMOVIS 2026

Two parallel sessions:

• Session 1: July 13–15, 2026
• Session 2: July 16–18, 2026

Cryo-electron microscopy of vitreous sections (CEMOVIS) is a powerful method that enables high-resolution cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography of cells and tissues in their native, fully hydrated state. It is a unique alternative to FIB milling for preparing thin samples from bulk biological material.

This hands-on workshop is designed to give participants the practical skills needed to apply CEMOVIS in their own laboratory upon return. The focus is on cryo-ultramicrotomy (trimming, sectioning, and section collection), complemented by sessions on high-pressure freezing (HPF) and cryo-TEM imaging of vitreous sections.

Organized in collaboration with the Microscopy Imaging Center (MIC) and the Dubochet Center for Imaging – Bern (DCI-Bern), University of Bern.

Scope

This workshop offers intensive, hands-on training in CEMOVIS with an emphasis on the practical skills required to integrate the method into the participants' own research. Most of the time is spent at the bench and at the cryo-ultramicrotome, under close supervision of experienced instructors.

The workshop covers:

• High-pressure freezing (HPF) of biological samples
• Cryo-ultramicrotomy: trimming, sectioning, and section collection on EM grids
• Cryo-TEM imaging of vitreous sections and introduction to data acquisition strategies
• Troubleshooting common artefacts (compression, crevasses, knife marks, chatter)

Two identical sessions are offered back-to-back in July 2026. Each session accommodates a maximum of 6 participants to guarantee individual microscope time and personal supervision. A total of 12 participants will be trained.

For practical and time reasons, participants do not bring their own samples; the workshop is based on standard material provided by the organizers. Participants are nevertheless encouraged to bring their scientific questions and project details, as dedicated discussion time is scheduled with the instructors to provide personalized advice on how to adapt the method to each participant's research.

Who should attend

This workshop is intended for PhD students, postdocs, staff scientists, and EM technicians who plan to implement CEMOVIS in their own research.

Prerequisites:

• Prior experience in cryo-electron microscopy (e.g. single-particle cryo-EM, cryo-ET on FIB lamellae or plunge-frozen samples), OR
• Prior experience in ultramicrotomy at room temperature (e.g. resin sections) or Tokuyasu cryo-sectioning

Applicants without either of these backgrounds will not be admitted, as the workshop builds directly on these foundations.

Registration

Registration is open until May 31, 2026.

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, provided the applicant meets the prerequisites above. Because places are limited to 12, early application is strongly encouraged.

The form will ask you to indicate your first and second choice of session (Session 1: July 13–15, or Session 2: July 16–18), together with a short motivation and a brief description of your prior experience in cryo-EM or ultramicrotomy.

Registration fees:

• PhD students: CHF 300
• Other academic participants (postdocs, staff scientists, technicians): CHF 450
• Non-academic participants: CHF 900

The fee covers course materials and consumables, electron microscope time, and coffee breaks. Lunch, accommodation, and travel are the responsibility of the participants.