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scientific programme
The programme at a glance and full programme (versions 10 May) can be downloaded via the below buttons.
Please note that the programme is still preliminary and subject to change!
pre-conference workshops
Five pre-conference workshops will be scheduled on Wednesday morning 17 September 2025 from 09.00-12:30 hrs.
The workshops can only be booked in combination with attendance of the Conference. Places will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. As the workshop are always sold out in no-time, it is advised to register as soon as possible when registration opens. No waiting lists will be made.
Workshop 1: How to use flow-cytometry to support MDS diagnosis
Organisers: Marisa Westers (Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) and Alan Dunlop (Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK)
Level: Intermediate level flow cytometrists. Maximum number of places:30
Flow cytometry is a recommended tool in the integrated diagnostics of myelodysplastic syndromes. Despite the broad application of this technique, immunophenotyping of suspected MDS is considered laborious, costly and complicated. In this workshop, we will shortly introduce possible immunophenotypic aberrations, and discuss currently validated scoring systems. During the workshop cases will be discussed, and you will analyse fcs files of normal and MDS cases. Together, we will discuss results. In addition, we will discuss reporting of results. Challenges encountered by participants may be discussed as well. It is advised to bring a laptop with analysis software to actively participate in the workshop.
Download the programme here
Workshop 2: Flow Cytometry of Platelets - From Phenotype To Function
Organiser: José-Enrique O’Connor (Valencia, ES)
Level: Basic. Maximum number of places: 30
Throughout this Workshop, participants will be guided through the fascinating world of platelet cytometry. Platelet phenotype and functional responses are considered traditionally complicated aspects for clinical cytometry. However, most difficulties in platelet cytometry may be overcome by appropriate sample preparation and by carefully designed flow cytometric setup and assay optimization. The state of the art in platelet flow cytometry has made its way far beyond the description of haemostasia disorders. The course will illustrate the relevance and practical application of multiparametric flow cytometry to the clinical analysis of platelet and platelet-derived microvesicles. Special focus will be put on the technical bases of sample preparation, including guidelines for assay optimization and standardization. Listmode files of real cases from diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic settings will be presented and discussed by the speakers.
Download the preliminary programme here
Workshop 3: Advanced computational data analysis: from theory to practice (previous title: Computational AI)
Organisers: Sarah Bonte, Katrien Quintelier, Serena Di Cecilia
Level: Advanced.Maximum number of places: 30.
More and more, computational analysis starts to play a crucial role in flow cytometry, especially with the increasing complexity and volume of data. Advanced algorithms enable accurate identification of cell populations, even rare ones, with improved reproducibility. Machine learning techniques help uncover patterns and correlations not visible through conventional methods. Computational pipelines also automate data cleaning, compensation, and batch effect correction steps. This increases throughput and reduces human error. In this workshop we will guide you through these concepts and algorithms, raising your understanding and curiosity to explore this field. Next to the theoretical part, we will show you as well how you can do all of this in FlowJo, a software widely used for cytometry data analysis.
Download the preliminary programme here
Workshop 4: Spectral Cytometry in Clinical Practice: Applications and Insights
Organisers: Mikaël Roussel and Thomas Matthes (on behalf of the French group CytHem)
Level: Beginners. Maximum number of places: 25
Spectral cytometry has been implemented in only a few diagnostic laboratories so far. In this course, Prof. Roussel and Matthes will share their experience in designing spectral panels and running spectral cytometry for various clinical applications. They will provide examples of mid-size panels (10–20 colors) for diagnosis and MRD assessment of hematologic malignancies, as well as high-complexity panels (>20 parameters) for the monitoring of immune cell populations.
Download the preliminary programme here
Workshop 5: EVs - understand the capabilities and limits of your machine for detecting EVs
Organiser: Alfonso Blanco (Dusblin, IE)
Level: Advanced. Maximum number of places: 25
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale particles released by cells that play a vital role in intercellular communication. They carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, making them powerful biomarkers for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring. With growing interest in their clinical applications, accurate analysis of EVs is more important than ever.
In this workshop, discover the critical technological challenges — from sample collection and storage to preparation protocols — that ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
Learn how to optimize your workflow with proven best practices for EV analysis, including tips on instrument calibration, sample optimization, and troubleshooting. Gain practical experience during a live demonstration, where you’ll learn how to set up an instrument, analyze data effectively, and detect common pitfalls such as the swarming effect.
Whether you're new to the field or looking to refine your technique, this workshop offers the insights and tools you need to elevate your research.
Download the preliminary programme here