Abstract

Since its inception the real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or more commonly ‘qPCR’, has become a fundamental and indispensable technique in almost every molecular biology laboratory. RT-qPCR has completely revolutionized what we know about the nature and regulation of our genes; however, many scientists in academia, industry and healthcare do not know how to make full use of its potential.

On Thursday 5th March at Homerton College Cambridge, we are hosting a state-of-the-art RT-qPCR seminar for users of this technique in both academia and industry; all levels are welcome!

Leading expert Dr David Sugden from qStandard and King’s College London will cover the common mistakes and challenges of RT-qPCR, such as those of standardization, as well as the inaccuracies and misinterpretations that have long been propagated in the wide-scale application of the technique. In addition, Dr Fernando Calero-Nieto, a senior scientist from the Göttgens lab at the University of Cambridge, will talk about the virtues and difficulties of single-cell RT-qPCR and the novel opportunities it has created in blood stem/progenitor cell research . The talks will be followed up with a networking session in which wine and food will be provided. There will also be an equipment and reagents showcase and a chance to interact with academic and industry specialists in this technique. We look forward to welcoming you!