Eight experts and 126 young scientific and technological workers attended the third International Workshop of Advanced Image Processing of Cryo-Electron Microscopy that took place in Beijing from Aug 6 to 10, 2017.

Jointly organized by the Biophysical Society of China, the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Tsinghua University, the workshop has invited eight experts in the field of image processing of cryo-electron microscopy from home and abroad to give keynote speeches. The other participants of the workshop include young sci&tech workers from Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. 

Participants of the third International Workshop of Advanced Image Processing of Cryo-Electron Microscopy pose for a group photo.

In previous years, the single particle technique based on cryo-electron microscopy has developed into mature processing, with which most researchers are familiar.  

Recently, great progress has been made in terms of electron tomography and electron tomography-based subunit average technology, which has helped people gain better understandings of the technology.

Meanwhile, issues related to the conformation polymorphism and dynamic changes of protein are some of the more prioritized researches.

Focusing on the latest development of cryo-electron microscopy, the workshop introduced the trainees with the latest development in electron 3D scanning reconstruction. Moreover, it aims to train the participants on how to construct different protein conformations by using methods of Rosseta and Normalmode, how to upload and store data by using EMDB and EMPIAR, as well as how to facilitate their research by using the data and services in EMDB. 

Trainees listening to a special report. 

The workshop integrated lectures and practices. Through face-to-face instructions and exchanges, the trainees learned and master the application of image processing of cryo-electron microscopy software in an efficient way. 

Trainees having computer practices.

A visit to the Institute of Biophysics’ bio-imaging center was arranged by the organizers. With this, the trainees could get a better understanding of theoretical knowledge and also learn about the institute’s investment in scientific research equipment. The visit also helped both sides understand each other and laid a solid foundation for future academic activities and cooperation.

The workshop prepared a study and exchange platform for the young sci&tech workers in the field of image processing of cryo-electron microscopy and gave them a better understanding of the forefront research in the related areas.