UAVR exchange to csic I

Three EPIBOOST early-career researchers – Albano Pinto (PhD student), Joana Santos and João Raio (MSc student) – visited IDAEA-CSIC in Barcelona from the 8^th to the 12^th of July 2024. The main aim of this visit was to participate in a training course on untargeted methods for gene expression assessment, including theoretical and hands-on training in analysing expression patterns of selected genes through qPCR.
Our researchers were welcomed by fellow EPIBOOSTERs Laia Navarro-Martin, Marta Casado and Janan Gawra. They learned a lot on the theoretical concepts of qPCR (primer and probe design, Cq calculation, reaction efficiency and dissociation curves), followed by all the practical tricks of the trade regarding the experimental setup (primer, probe and plate preparation, efficiency determination and quality assessment). Days were full of new knowledge and valuable experiences. Still, there was time to also capacitate the IDAEA-CSIC team in the practical handling of EpigenTek ELISA kit for global DNA methylation assessment, with the guidance of Albano Pinto and support of João Raio and Joana Santos.
And of course, there was time to do some networking with other students and researchers and to absorb the quirky vibrancy of the amazing city that Barcelona is!
A special acknowledgment to Laia Navarro-Martin and Marta Casado for sharing their knowledge with our UAVR EPIBOOSTERs with patience and thoroughness, at the same time keeping the spirits high throughout the entire week!