EMBO Practical Course – Structural characterisation of macromolecular complexes

Event date : 27 May – 3 Jun 2026

Course overview

Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy/tomography (cryo-EM/ET), super-resolution microscopy, and deep-learning-based protein structure prediction, combined with increasingly sophisticated sample preparation methods, have transformed structural biology. Solving the field’s most complex challenges will require researchers who can strategically integrate these powerful tools.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of modern structural biology methods, with emphasis on sample preparation, characterisation, and data integration.

Key topics include:

  • Multi-subunit protein expression in bacterial, insect, and mammalian systems
  • Isolation of native complexes
  • In vitro reconstitution of protein and protein–nucleic acid assemblies
  • Biochemical and biophysical approaches to assess stoichiometry and homogeneity

This latest edition of this long-standing course features a refreshed lineup of speakers and topics, highlighting the strategic use of cutting-edge protein structure prediction methods, and recent advances in in situ structural biology. The programme aims to equip participants with the theoretical and practical skills needed to combine complementary approaches and apply them to contemporary structural biology research.

For more information about the course: https://www.embl.org/about/info/course-and-conference-office/events/mmo26-01