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Advancing Brillouin Imaging and Correlative Spectroscopy

Bio- and Advanced Materials

LAB-ICS

Laboratory of Advanced Bio-Imaging and Correlative Spectroscopy

LAB-ICS

Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia

Via Alessandro Pascoli, 06123 Perugia (Italy)

Email: info@lab-ics.com

Summer School

BioBrillouin for Mechanobiology

Materials, Methods and Perspectives

6th-9th July 2025, Perugia, Italy

Summer School “BioBrillouin for MechanoBiology: Materials, Methods and Perspectives”

Organizing Committee:

Dr. Silvia Caponi, CNR, Perugia, Italy
Prof. Maurizio Mattarelli, University of Perugia, Italy
Prof. Daniele Fioretto, University of Perugia, Italy
Dr. Francesco Bonacci, University of Perugia, Italy
Dr. Alessandra Anna Passeri, University of Perugia, Italy

Financial Support:

The school is endorsed by the The Italian Society for Pure and Applied Biophysics (SIBPA) together with the European Biophysical Societies’ Association (EBSA). We also unknowledge the project VITALITY (MUR), for financial support.

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Scope of the School

The proposed school will focus on advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, in particular on Brillouin spectroscopy and its applications in studying the mechanical properties of cells and tissues.

The program will provide an immersive learning experience, fostering a multidisciplinary environment for students and early-career researchers from physics, engineering, biology, and medicine.

Aim of the School

The school continues the path initiated by the “COST action Bio-Brillouin training school” series (2018 Heidelberg (GE), 2019 Lyon (F), 2020 Ben-Gurion (Israel) 2021 Wien (AT), 2022 Lyon(F)) within the BioBrillouin society. The primary goal of the school is to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy in material science and bioscience, with particular emphasis on role of mechanical properties in biology. The school wants also to provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge experimental apparata. Key topics to be addressed include:

Theory of Brillouin spectroscopy (from material science to biomedicine; from homogeneous to heterogeneous materials, experimental apparata, data acquisition and data analysis);
Comparative methods for the mechanical characterization of biological samples;
Applications in medical and clinical research.

Perugia is internationally recognized for its experties in Brillouin spectroscopy. This reputation positions together with the Perugia’s proximity to Rome makes it a strategically advantageous choice for hosting a satellite school associated with the “15th European Biophysical Congress” https://www.ebsa2025.eu/ in Rome.

Excellent transport links between the two cities ensure ease of access for international attendees, enhancing participation and visibility for both events.

Speakers

The school has already garnered the support of distinguished representatives from the Brillouin and mechanobiology communities, including renowned scientists from the United States. Their confirmed involvement underscores the scientific excellence of the program and its potential to inspire and educate the next generation of researchers in this field. This school represents a unique opportunity to strengthen the global mechanobiology community and the BioBrillouin Society.

Preliminary list of confirmed keynotes and invited speakers:

Prof. Kareem Elsayad, Lab Leader -Medical University of Vienna (AT)
Prof. Daniele Fioretto (Professor University of Perugia) (IT)
Prof. Maurizio Mattarelli (Professor University of Perugia) (IT)
Prof. Francesca Palombo (Professor of Biomedical Spectroscopy in Physics (University of Exeter (UK)
Prof. Giuliano Scarcelli ( Professor at the University of Maryland (USA)
Prof. Giorgio Scita (Professor Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology) University of Milan &IFOM (IT)

Besides contributions from biophysicists involved in biomechanics, the school will also beneficiate from experts in instrumental development for microscopy and spectroscopy techniques.

Registration and fees

The registration fee includes participation to 5 coffee breaks, 3 lunches and welcome cocktail and social dinner.

Registration Fee (all fees in Euro, VAT included)

Expected Early Bird Registration: Before 30-04-2025

Expected Regular Registration Deadline: 15-06-2025

Registrations for this event will open soon

Early-career scientists can apply for a limited number of bursaries covering the registration fee, including event meals. No travel costs will be supported by this bursary. To be eligible, applicants will need to submit a scientific abstract for the poster session. The abstract must not exceed one A4 page, including figures, and must be submitted as a Word or PDF document. The template can be downloaded here.

Applications must be sent to biobrillouin_school@lab-ics.com, including the abstract, CV, and proof of PhD student status or PhD completion within the last five years. The Organizing Committee will select recipients based on their submitted abstract and CV.

The deadline for submission is April 15.

The results will be communicated to the selected recipients by April 25.

For any other information please contact:

biobrillouin_school@lab-ics.com

Scientific Program

The meeting will be organized into theoretical and practical sessions. Two poster sessions will also be organized, possibly with oral flash presentations.

Confirmed participants to practical lessons

Planned Social Program

Registration and welcome cocktail (Sunday, 6th July, Priori Secret Garden Bistrot, from 4:30pm to 7:30pm)

Social dinner (Thursday, 8th July, Ristorante del Sole, at 7h30pm)

Guided tour of Perugia (Thursday, 8th July, from 6:00pm to 7h30pm)

In addition to the technical program, the school also offers an engaging social program. This includes a welcome cocktail on Sunday, 6th of July, from 4:30pm to 7:30pm, at the Priori Secret Garden Bistrot, and a social dinner on Thursday, 8th of July, at Ristorante del Sole. Both Priori Secret Garden Bistrot and Ristorante del Sole are located in the city-centre of Perugia, and are easily reachable from both the school venue and accommodation. The registration fees also include a guided visit to Perugia, providing a unique opportunity to explore the city.