This workshop provides an introduction to a suite of light microscopy techniques designed for measuring molecular density, dynamics, and co-localization. Through a combination of theoretical discussions and practical demonstrations, we will explore how different acquisition modalities—including spot scanning, line scanning, and image series—within fluorescence fluctuation correlation spectroscopy can be exploited to enhance temporal or spatial resolution and increase information content.

The morning session will feature three talks, introducing the principles behind these modalities, the types of data they produce, and the interpretation of correlation functions. Participants will learn how to extract key parameters from this data, such as molecular concentration, diffusion coefficients, molecular velocities, kinetics, and interactions.

In the afternoon, participants will engage in hands-on sessions, gaining exposure to several of these techniques on laser scanning confocal and camera-based systems

Techniques

1. Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) + FCCS on Zeiss LSM 980

2. Dynamics Profiler module with Airy detector on Zeiss LSM 910

3. Line-scanning (LSM) acquisition for Pair-Correlation Function (pCF)

4. Spectral Raster Image Correlation Spectroscopy (RICS) on LSM 910

Schedule

8:15 - 8:45 Arrival & registration

8:45 - 9:45 Lecture 1: Introduction to Temporal and spatial Image Correlation Spectroscopy

9:45 - 10:00 Morning tea

10:00 - 11:00 Lecture 2: Pair correlation microscopy of intracellular transport

11:00 - 12:30 Practical 1

12:30 - 13:30 Lunch break

13:30 - 15:00 Practical 2

15:00 - 16:00 Debriefing and discussion of limitations of these approaches

Convenor Gavin Symonds, Zeiss, Elizabeth Hinde, University of Melbourne, Elvis Pandzic, University of New South Wales

Instruments/Software ZEISS LSM with Airyscan detector and Dymanics Profiler software modules (exact system TBD)

Duration Full day, single session available

Experience Level Suits all levels

Pricing $25.00

Samples Samples are provided. Fluorescently labelled membrane receptors and transcription factors within live mammalian cells. Fluorescent dyes and beads samples for proof of principle.

Please register for workshops by selecting them as optional add-ons via the LMA2026 registration StickyTickets website linked below.