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GROW YOUR FLOW PROGRAMME

Module 1: Introduction to Flow Cytometry

17 March 2026, 1pm

Beginner, intermediate and advanced cytometrists

Target audience:

The first step to mastering cytometry. Join us for an engaging introduction to flow cytometry, where you’ll learn the essentials; from instrument hardware and fluorochromes to data visualisation, gating strategies, and experimental controls. Build a strong foundation and start growing your flow expertise today.

Why cytometry is a powerful tool, basic components of a cytometer, what the cytometer is measuring, fluorescence, data visualisations, basic gating concepts.

What will I learn?

Expansion 1: Basic Protocols and Sample Preparation

24 March 2026, 1pm

Beginner, intermediate and advanced cytometrists

Target audience:

Mastering sample preparation and staining basics. Take your next step in flow cytometry with this expansion module focused on preparing samples for success. Learn essential techniques for cell handling, basic staining protocols, and tips to ensure high-quality data. Build confidence in the fundamentals that set the stage for accurate and reproducible cytometry and cell sorting experiments.

Discuss cell culture and tissue digestion suggestions, sample buffers, sorting and collection buffers, basic staining protocols and consistency between samples and controls.

What will I learn?

Module 2: Getting Started with Flow Cytometry Data Analysis: SpectroFlo

14 April 2026, 1pm

Beginner, intermediate and advanced cytometrists

Target audience:

Hands-On data analysis with SpectroFlo. Dive into your first fully interactive data module. Learn how to analyse flow cytometry results using SpectroFlo software; begin by unmixing a multicolour assay before learning how to interpret plots and apply gating strategies. This practical session builds confidence in turning raw data into clear results. (software demo license provided if you do not already have a license).

How to build an experiment from scratch in SpectroFlo software and Cytek Cloud, correctly set up reference controls and conduct unmixing, learn basic data visualisation and gating.

What will I learn?

Expansion 2: FlowJo Hands-on Data Workshop

21 April 2026, 1pm

Beginner, intermediate and advanced cytometrists

Target audience:

Advanced data analysis with FlowJo. Expand your skills by revisiting key concepts from the previous module in a new context: FlowJo. This powerful third-party software offers sophisticated tools for deeper analysis beyond acquisition. Learn gating, data visualisation, reporting, batching, and strategies to unlock richer insights from your experiments. (software demo license provided if you do not already have a license).

How to build an analysis template from scratch, identify tools and techniques for your analysis pipeline in FlowJo, how to install extension modules to FlowJo, basic reporting and some preliminary high dimensional analysis tools.

What will I learn?

Module 3: Experimental Design and Controls

12 May 2026, 1pm

Beginner, intermediate and advanced cytometrists

Target audience:

Designing experiments and planning controls. Take your cytometry skills to the next level by learning how to plan experiments with intention. This module covers the critical details of experimental design and addresses the differences between instrument and assay controls. Don’t know what an FMO is for? Find out this and so much more to ensure your results are robust and reproducible.

The importance of instrument controls and different kinds of experimental controls, when one control type would be more suitable than others, the importance of considering controls at the experimental design phase, using controls to troubleshoot data challenges.

What will I learn?

Module 4: Data Troubleshooting (lecture + workshop in SpectroFlo)

16 June 2026, 1pm

Previous class attendees, intermediate and advanced cytometrists

Target audience:

Troubleshooting real-world cytometry data. Put your skills to the test with a dataset full of everyday challenges. This module combines a lecture followed by a hands-on workshop. With instructional guidebook, the workshop will help you identify and resolve common issues in cytometry assays. Learn practical strategies for cleaning, correcting, and interpreting data so you can confidently tackle problems in your own experiments.

How to identify problems within your data, how to optimise controls for better unmixing outcomes, work with our data to identify problems and implement solutions to improve the outcome.

What will I learn?

Expansion 3: All the Small Things - Analysing Nanoparticles

23 June 2026, 1pm

Beginner, intermediate and advanced cytometrists

Target audience:

Pushing the limits with small particle analysis. Ready to explore the world of small particles, right there on the edge of cytometer sensitivity? This module dives into the challenges of small particle analysis; where precision and rigour are essential. Learn best practices for instrument care and setup, experimental controls, sample preparation, and instrument characterisation for quantitative measurements. Discover what it takes to verify results at the limits of detection and how to set yourself up for success in this powerful niche of cytometry.

What you should consider when preparing to analyse nanoparticles by flow cytometry, panel design considerations, assay controls, instrument care, and calibration of measurements.

What will I learn?

Module 5: Panel Design and Optimisation

14 July 2026, 1pm

Beginner, intermediate and advanced cytometrists

Target audience:

Science or art? Panel design and optimisation. Designing the perfect panel is both an art and a science. In this module, we cover the fundamentals of panel design, including fluorochrome selection, brightness, uniqueness, and spread. Then, you will work collaboratively in a group-based design activity before diving into the critical next step: panel optimisation. Panel optimisation puts the science back into the art of panel design. Here you will learn tips and tricks for managing unexpected output when your multicolour sample does not recapitulate the biology you expect.

Understanding antigen expression, fluorochrome properties, fluorochrome selection, spread considerations, work in a group to design an immunophenotyping panel.

What will I learn?

Module 6: Titration (lecture + hands-on analysis workshop)

11 August 2026, 1pm

Beginner, intermediate and advanced cytometrists

Target audience:

The why's, when's and how's of titration. Understand why titration matters and how it impacts your data quality. This module covers the principles of titration; why, when, and how to do it, followed by a hands-on analysis session in FlowJo. Learn to interpret a titration series and select an appropriate titre for your assay. (software demo license provided if you do not already have a license).

The why, when and how of titration, understanding titration calculations, what does and does not affect your titration process, work with a titration dataset to select an appropriate reagent concentration.

What will I learn?

Module 7: High Dimensional Analysis (lecture + hands-on analysis workshop)

8 September 2026, 1pm

Previous class attendees, intermediate and advanced cytometrists

Target audience:

Unlocking high-dimensional analysis. Step into the world of advanced cytometry analytics. This module begins with a lecture on why high-dimensional analysis matters, the tools for dimensionality reduction and clustering, and how to turn complex results into meaningful visualisations. Then, apply what you’ve learned in a hands-on workshop using a guidebook and dataset designed to help you master these powerful techniques in OMIQ. (software demo license provided if you do not already have a license).

Why we use high dimensional analysis algorithms, dimensionality reduction, clustering, data display, and presenting meaningful results from high dimensional analyses. Work with our dataset in OMIQ for hands-on experience.

What will I learn?

Expansion 4: Become an Unmixing Wizard

22 September 2026, 1pm

Previous class attendees, intermediate and advanced cytometrists

Target audience:

Mastering the unmixing wizard. Take your troubleshooting skills to the next level with this advanced module focused on spectral unmixing (principles apply to compensation as well). Learn how to set up controls correctly, gate for accurate fluorochrome definition, and apply practical hacks and shortcuts to make unmixing as smooth and efficient as possible. Elevate your confidence and precision in spectral analysis.

Unmixing is about more than just optimised controls, learn how gating choices will impact your unmixing outcome, understand importance of refined data clean up.

What will I learn?

Module 8: Preparing Flow Cytometry Data for Publication

13 October 2026, 1pm

Previous class attendees, intermediate and advanced cytometrists

Target audience:

Reporting results and creating publication-ready figures. Learn how to elevate your flow cytometry reporting and figure preparation. This module explores best practices rooted in MiFlowCyt standards and offers practical advice for creating clear, impactful visualisations. Gain the skills to present your data with accuracy and professionalism, ensuring your figures match the quality of your experimental data.

How to turn your data into a meaningful figure, what information should be reported, leveraging FCS metadata, recommendations and considerations for presentation of figures.

What will I learn?

Module 9: Understanding and Managing Complex Autofluorescence

10 November 2026, 1pm

Previous class attendees, intermediate and advanced cytometrists

Target audience:

Tackling autofluorescence in mammalian samples. Autofluorescence is no longer just a background nuisance; in the era of spectral cytometry, it’s a measurable component that can unlock deeper insights. This module explores common analytical challenges in mammalian samples, teaching you how to characterise, manage, and even leverage autofluorescence for better data. Learn best practices for panel design, controls, setup, and interpretation to turn complexity into clarity.

Understanding the impact of autofluorescence (AF), panel design considerations for samples with complex AF, unmixing optimisation with complex AF. Following the lecture complete a hands-on exercise with our data to understand how best to handle AF in SpectroFlo.

What will I learn?

Module 10: Best Practices in Longitudinal Assays

8 December 2026, 1pm

Previous class attendees, intermediate and advanced cytometrists

Target audience:

Optimising assays for rigour and reproducibility. In this final module, gain deep insight into designing experiments that stand the test of time. Learn best practices for longitudinal studies and strategies to manage variability across multiple runs. Discover how to optimise your assays for consistency, accuracy, and reproducibility; ensuring your data remains robust and reliable.

Considerations for measurement readout and reportability in longitudinal studies, controls, processes and instrument tracking recommendations.

What will I learn?

Graduation

8 December 2026

Full series attendees (certificate of completion requires attendance at 9 of 10 core classes)

Target audience:

Grow Your Flow Graduation and celebration.

Any who joins the classes is encouraged to attend graduation, join the group for one last cookies and questions and a bit of conversation with your cytometry peers. To be eligible for a certificate of completion, 9 out of 10 core module classes must be attended.

What will I learn?
Mod 1
Mod 2
Exp 2
Mod 3
Mod 4
Exp 3
Mod 5
Mod 6
Mod 7
Exp 1
Exp 4
Mod 8
Mod 9
Mod 10
Graduation

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CONTACT US

Malaghan Institute of Medical Research
Gate 7, Victoria University
Kelburn Parade, Wellington

 

PO Box 7060
Newtown, Wellington 6242
New Zealand

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