Eleni Kaisis
University of Reading, UK

https://doi.org/10.36866/pn.107.21a

25–28 April 2017, University College London, London, UK

Following the success of previous years, this year The Physiological Society has again sponsored a number of workshops with the aim of enhancing laboratory skills for researchers. One such workshop was the ‘Introduction to Molecular Biology Techniques, Transfection and Functional Studies’. As a first–year PhD student in the School of Pharmacy in Reading University, I found this workshop was a great opportunity to enhance my laboratory skills and learn new laboratory techniques which are valuable for a career as a research physiologist.

The workshop was divided into two sections. The first entailed an introduction to basic essential techniques used in molecular biology, such as RNA extraction, reverse transcription and PCR. The second section focused on techniques used for cell transfection and techniques to investigate protein expression and functionality, such as the widely used SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.

The workshop provided a nice balance between background theory and laboratory practicals. During the dinner provided by The Society, and the numerous coffee and tea breaks, we all had the opportunity to network and discuss each other’s research work, identify issues and help in experimental troubleshooting, and even exchange ideas for future experimental work. The staff, especially Caroline Pellet-Many, were exceptionally friendly and cooperative, and helped us design protocols which we can apply in our own research. Additionally, during the workshop, we were given an interesting tour around the old hospital, where we were shown the mosaics which cover parts of the teaching labs that used to be the children’s ward.

Overall, attending this workshop was an exceptional opportunity to learn and become confident in techniques which are widely used in research. It was enlightening to learn about other researchers’ work, and it fired my enthusiasm for my own research. I am grateful to the Alzheimer’s Association for funding my attendance, and to The Physiological Society for providing me with the opportunity to attend this extremely helpful and inspiring workshop.