Hands-On Workshop on Single Particle Analysis
- April 2-4, 2025
- ANRF National Facility for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, IIT Madras
This three-day workshop is designed to provide participants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), with a focus on single-particle analysis (SPA). The event will feature a combination of lectures and hands-on sessions, enabling attendees to master techniques required for high-resolution structure determination. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will equip you with the tools and expertise to advance your research in structural biology.
Key Highlights
- Dates: April 2-4, 2025
- Venue: ANRF National Facility for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, IIT Madras
- Format: Lectures and hands-on training sessions
- Target Audience: Researchers, students, and professionals in structural biology and related fields
- Seats: Limited (selection process detailed below)
Instructors

Mamata Bangera
Assistant Professor
IIT Madras
Website: Click here to view

Saikat Chowdhury
Senior Scientist
CSIR-CCMB
Website: Click here to view

Somnath Dutta
Associate Professor
IISc
Website: Click here to view

Sandip Kaledhonkar
Assistant Professor
IIT Bombay
Website: Click here to view

Sucharita Bose
Facility In-Charge
DBT-InStem
Website: Click here to view

Vidya Mangala Prasad
Assistant Professor
IISc
Website: Click here to view
Topics Covered
1. Introduction to Single Particle Analysis
- Basics of SPA and its applications in structural biology
- Advantages of cryo-EM over traditional methods like X-ray crystallography
- Case studies showcasing SPA in macromolecular structure determination
2. Sample Preparation
- Protein/molecule preparation for cryo-EM
- Vitrification techniques for high-quality grid preparation
- Troubleshooting common issues in sample preparation
3. Data Acquisition
- Overview of cryo-TEM and direct electron detectors
- Best practices for image collection and motion correction techniques
4. Image Processing with RELION and CryoSPARC
- Particle picking and 2D classification
- 3D reconstruction workflows
- Iterative refinement for high-resolution structures
5. Addressing Challenges in SPA
- Managing sample heterogeneity and orientational bias
- Strategies for improving particle alignment and distribution
6. Validation and Interpretation
- Assessing resolution and map quality
- Biological interpretation of reconstructed models
Learning Outcomes
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the SPA workflow using RELION and CryoSPARC
- Acquire hands-on experience in sample preparation, data processing, and 3D reconstruction
- Develop strategies to address common challenges in single-particle analysis
Registration Process
To Apply:
Applicants should send an email to cryoem_prg@icsrpis.iitm.ac.in with a Word/PDF file containing the following details:
Name:
Email ID:
Affiliation (Institution, Name of Advisor, PhD/Postdoc, etc.)
A 250-word essay on how cryo-electron microscopy (CryoEM) and single-particle analysis (SPA) are useful for your research.
- Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
- Notification of Selection: March 5, 2025
- Payment Deadline: March 8, 2025 (selected participants will receive a payment link)
- Academic Participants: ₹7,500
- Industry Participants: ₹15,000
Accommodation
Shared accommodation will be provided at Taramani Guest House, IIT Madras campus. Specific check-in/check-out details will be communicated to selected participants.
Contact Us
- Email: cryoem_prg@icsrpis.iitm.ac.in
- Phone: 044-22574208