The FEBS Advanced Lecture Course “Retina in a Dish – Methods & Applications in Life Sciences” will take place in Kuopio, Finland, 8–12 June 2026. This five-day summer school will bring together leading experts and early-career researchers to explore the retina as a versatile ex vivo model system – not only for ophthalmology, but also for neuroscience, pharmacology, and broader translational research.
Thanks to its transparency, layered architecture, and shared neurodevelopmental origin with the brain, the retina is the most accessible and best-characterized neuronal tissue in the body. Unlike conventional brain slices, retinal explants can be dissected in full and maintained in culture for extended periods, enabling detailed investigations into structure–function relationships, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies.
Participants will engage in lectures, tutorials, and video demonstrations covering organotypic retina culture techniques, including dissection, media optimization, imaging, and electrophysiological recordings. The course will also address applications in drug testing, gene therapy, and functional assays, alongside sessions on scientific publishing, grant writing, and career development.
A key aim of the course is to share practical insights and “hidden knowledge” that often remain unpublished – such as troubleshooting culture conditions, selecting optimal consumables, and maintaining tissue viability. By fostering open exchange and collaboration, the course seeks to accelerate progress in retinal research and support efforts to combat blindness.
Hosted at the University of Eastern Finland’s Kuopio Campus, with accommodation at Scandic Hotel Kuopio by Lake Kallavesi, the course offers both scientific depth and a scenic setting. Abstract submission is required to be eligible for FEBS Youth Travel Fund (YTF) grant applications.
The event website is under construction.
Organizers: Henri Leinonen, Petri Ala-Laurila, Blanca Arango-Gonzalez
