Exeter Centre for Cytomics

GW4 Cytometry Computing Workshop

Unlock the Power of Cytometry Data with Hands-On R Training

28–29 July 2025 | University of Exeter

Academics in discussion

Join us in Exeter for the inaugural GW4 Cytometry Computing Workshop, a two-day, hands-on training course designed to equip researchers with the skills to analyse high-dimensional flow and spectral cytometry datasets using R.

Supported by the GW4 Cytometry Network, this workshop brings together researchers and cytometry experts from across the Southwest and beyond to foster collaboration, training, and data-driven research in the biosciences.

What You Will Learn

Whether you are new to coding or looking to strengthen your data analysis skills, this practical course will cover:

  • Data preprocessing and quality control

  • Visualisation and statistical analysis using R

  • Manual and automated gating approaches

  • Dimensionality reduction techniques (PCA, UMAP, t-SNE)

  • An introduction to machine learning applications in cytometry

No prior programming experience is required. Participants may bring their own laptop or use a workstation provided on site.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is designed for:

  • Core facility and technology platform scientists

  • Postdoctoral researchers and PhD students

  • Master’s students and early-career researchers

  • Researchers working with high-dimensional cytometry data in the life sciences

What Is Included

  • Expert-led practical training in R

  • Real-world workflows using high-parameter datasets

  • Commercial showcases from leading cytometry platforms

  • Informal networking opportunities (bring your own data)

  • Refreshments and lunch on both days

  • Evening barbecue dinner on Monday

Day 1 (28th July) 09:30 am - 18:00 pm

09:00 Arrival and registration
09:30 Workshop overview
09:45 Introduction to programming in R
11:30 Coffee, Tea, Pastries
12:00

  Practical Cytometry Analysis 1

  • Data preprocessing, quality control
  • Introduction to data visualization
13:30 Lunch with networking
14:30

Practical Cytometry Analysis 2

  • Manual cell population identification
  • Automated gating solutions
16:00 Coffee, Tea, Pastries
16:30

Practical Cytometry Analysis 3

  • Statistical hypotheses testing
  • Correlation analysis
  • Advanced visualization
18:00 Q&A
18:30 BBQ at Cricket Club Exeter

 

Day 2 (29th July) 08:45 am - 17:30 pm

08:45

High-Parameter Analysis 1

  • Dimensionality reduction
  • PCA, UMAP and t-SNE
10:15 Coffee, Tea, Pastries
10:45

 High-Parameter Analysis 2

  • Correlations in a high-dimensional context
  • R packages for high-dimensional analysis
12:30 Lunch with networking
13:30

  Machine Learning Workflows 1

  • Automated gating solutions 2
15:00 Coffee, Tea, Pastries
15:30

  Machine Learning Workflows 2

  • Discovery analysis
16:30 Concluding remarks 

GW4 Computing Workshop Programme

Your instructors

Dr Sebastiano Montante, Exeter Centre for Cytomics (Course Lead)

Dr. Attila Bebes, Exeter Centre for Cytomics

Dr. George Vere, Exeter Centre for Cytomics

Dr. Iolanda Domingues, Exeter Centre for Cytomics

Venue and Fees

Date: 28–29th July 2025
Location: Forum Exploration Lab 2, The Forum, University of Exeter
Fees: £150 (academic) / £250 (industry)
Optional on-campus accommodation at Holland Hall (£80/night incl. breakfast)

Registration

Click here to register. Places are limited.

For enquiries, contact: cytometry@exeter.ac.uk

We look forward to welcoming you to Exeter!