S2C2 SPA Specimen Preparation Workshop July 13-17, 2026

SPA Specimen Preparation Hybrid Workshop

The Stanford-SLAC CryoEM Center (S2C2) is hosting a focused, hybrid workshop from July 13–17, 2026, for facility users interested in improving cryoEM sample preparation workflows. Designed for researchers with prior cryoEM experience, this program supports those looking to adopt best practices and troubleshoot persistent challenges in grid preparation.

The workshop will include both lectures and practical sessions. Lectures will be broadcast via Zoom and will cover pre-screening sample evaluation, grid selection, freezing instruments, strategies to mitigate air–water interface effects, and emerging vitrification approaches to improve particle distribution and orientation.

The in-person component offers hands-on, interactive, and comparative experience. Participants are encouraged to bring their own samples and directly assess homogeneity, test different preparation approaches, followed by grid screening on the microscopes. Practical sessions will take place in the Biolab in B057 at SLAC. Approved participants must have completed the required access and safety authorization to work in the lab.

Registration is open to S2C2 users, and in-person participation is limited by available space. Registration closes on June 12, 2026, and selected participants will be notified by June 30, 2026.