Retina in a dish: Methods & applications in life sciences
A FEBS Advanced Lecture Course
📍 Kuopio, Finland | 🗓️ 8–12 June 2026
We are delighted to invite you to the FEBS Advanced Lecture Course 'Retina in a Dish – Methods & Applications in Life Sciences', hosted in the heart of Finnish Lakeland, Kuopio, Finland.
This immersive five-day course will explore retina as a powerful ex vivo model system not only for ophthalmology but also for neuroscience, pharmacology, and translational research. Participants will gain experience with organotypic retinal cultures and learn how to apply them in disease modeling, drug testing, and gene therapy, as well as neuroscience research.
A unique learning experience
The retina’s accessibility, layered structure, and neurodevelopmental origin make it an ideal model for studying central nervous system function and pathology. Through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and video demonstrations, attendees will gain know-how on techniques such as retinal dissection, culture maintenance, imaging, and electrophysiological recordings.
The course also includes sessions on publishing, grant writing, and career development, with opportunities to receive feedback on abstracts, figures, and proposals. Evening social events will foster collaboration and community among researchers from across Europe and beyond.
Who should attend?
This course is designed for PhD students, postdocs, and early-career researchers working in visual neuroscience, ophthalmology, neuroscience, pharmacology/toxicology, and related fields. Abstract submission is required for participation, and selected attendees may be eligible for FEBS Youth Travel Fund (YTF) Grants.
Keynote speakers
Krzysztof Palczewski is a Polish-born US-based biochemist and molecular biologist. He holds the Donald Bren & Distinguished Professorship at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, where he leads the Center for Translational Vision Research. His major scientific contributions include solving the crystal structure of the GPCR rhodopsin (a key protein in the visual cycle) and advancing our understanding of vertebrate vision and inherited retinal diseases. Dr. Palczewski is a member of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine.
Marius Ueffing is Director of the Institute for Ophthalmic Research and Co-Chair of the Centre for Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Tübingen (Germany) at the University of Tübingen. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of retinal degeneration, using systems-biology, proteomics, bioanalytics, and advanced imaging to dissect disease pathways. Professor Ueffing has a strong emphasis on translating findings from large-scale molecular analyses into therapeutic leads or biomarkers for eye disease.
Arto Urtti is based at the University of Eastern Finland (Kuopio). His expertise is in biopharmaceutics and drug-delivery, especially ocular drug delivery (nanomedicines, controlled release, pharmacokinetics and modeling). Professor Urtti is a recognized international figure in ocular delivery systems.
The full list of speakers can be found at: https://retinaexvivo2026.febsevents.org/speakers
Tentative programme: https://retinaexvivo2026.febsevents.org/preliminary-programme
Venue and atmosphere
Nestled in the heart of Finnish Lakeland, Kuopio offers a tranquil and inspiring setting surrounded by shimmering lakes and lush forests. The course will take place at the University of Eastern Finland’s Kuopio Campus, with lectures held in the modern Mediteknia auditorium. Participants are encouraged stay at the Scandic Hotel Kuopio, located less than a kilometer from the city’s central square and beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Kallavesi. The hotel is approximately 3 km from the campus and easily accessible via regular public transport. Combining the natural charm of the region with warm hospitality, Scandic Kuopio provides a comfortable and scenic base for the course.
📅 Registration is now open: https://registration.contio.fi/uef/Registration/Login?id=9880-FEBS_Retina2026-11380
📅 Registration deadline: 31 March 2026
📅 Poster deadline: 30 April 2026
🔗 Visit the event website for more info: https://retinaexvivo2026.febsevents.org/
We look forward to welcoming you to Kuopio for a week of science, skills, and collaboration!
For more information about the FEBS Advanced Courses programme visit the FEBS website.
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