Training and Dissemination

The Laboratory for Fluorescence Dynamics (LFD) disseminates knowledge of fluorescence spectroscopic principles, instrumentation, and applications to the scientific community.

Workshops and Courses

Workshop in Advanced Fluorescence Imaging and Dynamics

The LFD is organizing an annual Workshop in Advanced Fluorescence Imaging and Dynamics, which consists of theoretical lectures and a hands on laboratory course at the LFD facility. It outlines the advanced concepts of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime resolved imaging techniques, including extensive training on data analysis procedures. The laboratory based course is limited to 20 students, whereas enrollment in the lecture course is open.

The laboratory course is designed for students who use fluorescence microscopy instrumentation and techniques, as well as for researchers and industrial scientists who intend to extend their knowledge of fluorescence microscopy techniques. The theoretical lectures delivered by LFD scientists are complemented by the direct utilization of fluorescence microscopy instrumentation at the LFD and additional units provided by leading companies.

Introductory Course in Fluorescence Techniques, Spectroscopy and Microscopy

The LFD has implemented an Introductory Course in Fluorescence Techniques, Spectroscopy and Microscopy, which is intended for students and researchers of the UCI campus. The course is co-sponsored by the Center for Complex Biological Systems (CCBS) and the graduate program in Mathematical, Computational, and Systems Biology (MCSB). It consists of theoretical lectures (limited to 45 participants) and an optional experimental course (limited to 20 participants). Registration, at no cost, is required.

Principles of Fluorescence Techniques Course

LFD staff lectures in the Principles of Fluorescence Techniques Course, held annually in Genova, Italy and also at various other institutions worldwide. The course is designed for students who utilize fluorescence instrumentation and techniques, as well as for researchers and industrial scientists who intend to deepen their knowledge of fluorescence techniques. The theoretical lectures delivered by key scientists in the field are complemented by the direct utilization of steady state and lifetime fluorescence instrumentation provided by leading companies.

International Weber Symposium and Prize

The LFD organizes and hosts the "International Weber Symposium on Innovative Fluorescence Methodologies in Biochemistry & Medicine", which is held every three years. The symposium brings together the leading practitioners of biological fluorescence, many students and several exhibitors.

The LFD has also been involved in the "Gregorio Weber International Prize in Biological Fluorescence". The prize was initiated and is supported by the LFD. We believe this award helps to stimulate new interest among students for the field of biological fluorescence.

Weber symposia and prizes are organized in tribute to Professor Gregorio Weber and his outstanding contributions to the field of fluorescence.

Meetings

Biophysical Society Meeting

Each year, the LFD has an exhibitor booth at the Biophysical Society Meeting. Visitors to the booth are provided with detailed information about our research capabilities and how to access the facility. Examples of the latest version of the Globals software package is exhibited and distributed. Almost all LFD staff and students present posters.

The Biological Fluorescence Subgroup at the annual Biophysical Society Meetings was initiated in part by the LFD. This subgroup has provided a major research outlet for dissemination of new results to the biological fluorescence community. The meeting is held in conjunction with the Biophysical Society Meeting each year and is geared to dissemination of information regarding fluorescence methodologies (both spectroscopy and microscopy), in biology, biophysics and biochemistry. The annual program features lectures by notable leaders in the field, roundtable discussions and lectures on the topic chosen for the year.

LFD Colloquium

Every week or two, invited guests or members of the LFD present their work or review related literature at the LFD colloquium. The events are free and open to the public.

Other Meetings

LFD staff also attend the annual Optical Society of America Meetings and the American Physical Society Meeting. A list of events attended by LFD staff and students is available.

Software

Globals

Advances in data analysis are steadily integrated in the Globals Software for Imaging and Spectroscopy. The software is also used as a training platform for various fluorescence techniques during the LFD Workshop.

Website

The LFD website at https://www.lfd.uci.edu is an indispensable tool in the LFD's dissemination activities. Not only does it provide information about facilities, publications, or other research related activities, but it also offers opportunities for online consulting and other contacts. A large amount of e-mail is received from visitors, who have general questions relating fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy as well as requests for information on visiting the facility. Demonstration versions, updates, and documentation of Globals and other software is available.