Cell Culture & Cell-based assay Course

As part of our vision to excel in training, research and innovation in molecular medicine at the national and international level, this year 2017, INFORMM has actively lined a list of high quality training courses (hands-on workshops) focusing on several fields and techniques vital in molecular biology research.  The first to be held was the Cell Culture & Cell based assay: Hands-on cell-based assays and 3D cell culture on the 27 – 28 August 2017 at INFORMM USM Health Campus, Kelantan. Altogether, nine participants registered for the course from a diverse background. The course was delivered in two sections – lectures to establish a solid foundation on good cell culture practice (GCCP) for commonly used cell types such as bacterial, parasite, cancer, and myeloid, with a special highlight on three-dimensional (3D) cells; and a hands-on laboratory session on specific culture techniques such as toxicity assays and the preparation of 3D culture. For the lectures, six speakers – Dr Noor Fatmawati Mokhtar (INFORMM), Dr Nethia Mohana Kumaran (USM, School of Biological), Dr Khairul Mohd Fadzli Mustafa (INFORMM), Dr Leow Chiuan Yee (INFORMM), Dr Maryam Azlan (USM, School of Health Sciences) and Dr Tan Suat Cheng (USM, School of Health Sciences) shared their expertise on the first day of the course. On the second day, the hands-on allowed participants to reinforce lecture materials and integrate learning methods through practical training techniques. At the end of the course, participants were tested with a very fun quiz to gauge their understanding. Overall, the course was successful and we hope it will increase INFORMM’s visibility as a referred center for cell culture and cell-based assay. We thank our generous sponsors and partners for the course Axon Scientific Sdn Bhd and Nacalai Tesque for sponsoring materials for the hands-on session.