HRMEM is committed to supporting researchers in broadening their practical knowledge of cryo-EM. We provide a several opportunities for users to expand their skills, learn to independently operate equipment and process their data.
Full service technicians are also available to provide additional support.
The following training modules are available:
Vitrification
For users with no prior experience training will take place as 2-3 sessions of ~3 hours each. In the first session we cover vitrobot basic operation train using practice grids and water. The second session will focus on optimizing the user’s own sample. At the end of the training users should be confident to independently freeze grids and will be given booking access to the Vitrobot.
Follow up sessions and refresher sessions are also available.
Talos room temperature TEM
The Talos training will cover sample insertion and removal, microscope operation, and optimizing images. We will also cover electron microscope basics including the microscope optics and image formation. The first training will take ~3 hours and can either be done with the user’s own grids or model samples provided by HRMEM, and will be focused on the basics of microscope operation. The second training will be focused on optimizing images from the user’s own samples. By the end of the training users will be able to independently use the Talos, evaluate negative stain images, and understand basic TEM concepts.
Follow up sessions, refresher sessions and trainings in negative stain grid preparation or cryo-holder usage are also available.
Cryo-EM screening training
In this training, users will follow along with cryo-EM screening of their grids. We will discuss sample optimization, grid optimization and fundamental cryo-EM concepts including factors that go into as the data collection workflow, particle classification, and the behaviour of proteins at the air-water interface. By the end of the training participants will be able to evaluate cryo-EM grids, interpret cryo-EM data and have a customised plan to optimize their own sample.
High throughput data collection training
In this training, users will observe the setup of high throughput cryo-EM data collection using EPU, and on-the-fly data processing and evaluation using CryoSparc Live. We will cover topics including choosing microscope settings such as magnification and dose, optimizing throughput, and interaction of electrons with the sample.