2026 Fluorescence Advanced Imaging Research Workshop

Early Bird pricing extended until November 30th, 2025

Purchase tickets here: FLAIR 2026 Marketplace

We are thrilled to announce the first-ever Collaborative AIM-LFD Workshop: Synergizing Efforts, to be held in 2026 at the University of California, Irvine campus. This groundbreaking event marks a historic collaboration between UC Irvine’s Laboratory for Fluorescence Dynamics (LFD) and UC Berkeley’s Advanced Imaging Methods (AIM) workshop, uniting the expertise of Southern and Northern California in the field of advanced microscopy.

This joint venture aims to create a comprehensive, cutting-edge workshop that combines the strengths of both institutions. The LFD’s focus on advanced fluorescence imaging techniques and instrumentation will seamlessly integrate with AIM’s emphasis on time-resolved techniques and broad applications in biological systems.

The workshop will cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

1. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) and Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)
2. Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) and Raster Image Correlation Spectroscopy (RICS)
3. Super-resolution microscopy techniques
4. Number and Brightness (N&B) analysis
5. Spectral phasors
6. Neuroscience applications
7. Probe development and design
8. Artificial Intelligence in microscopy and image processing
9. Metabolic research using advanced imaging methods

The event will bring together internationally renowned researchers from diverse fields such as biology, chemistry, biophysics, engineering, cellular biology, neuroscience, optics, and more. Participants can expect:

• Keynote lectures from leaders in the field
• Hands-on demonstrations and laboratory training
• A robust vendor exhibition
• Poster sessions
• Evening receptions and networking opportunities
• Lunch and refreshments provided daily

This collaborative workshop is designed to cater to scientists at all levels of expertise, from curious beginners to seasoned experts, and welcomes participants from academia, industry, and biotechnology sectors. By combining the resources and knowledge of both UC Irvine and UC Berkeley, we aim to create an inclusive, comprehensive, and unparalleled learning experience in advanced microscopy techniques.

Join us in 2026 at UC Irvine for this exciting inaugural event that promises to set a new standard in microscopy education and collaboration. Together, we will explore the frontiers of imaging technology and its applications in biological sciences.

Speakers:

Mahaela Balu, University of California, Irvine

Margarida Barroso, Albany Medical College

Wolfgang Becker, Becker & Hickl, Keynote

Thomas Blacker, University College London

Michelle Digman, University of California, Irvine

Liang Gao, University of California, Los Angeles

Ahmed Heikal, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Elizabeth Hillman, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Keynote

Jennifer Hunter, University of Waterloo

Luke Lavis, Janelia Research Campus

Austin Lefebvre, Calico

Uri Manor, University of California, San Diego

Shalin Mehta, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub

Arnab Mukherjee, University of California, Santa Barbara

Harshini Mukundan, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Jay Nadeau, Portland State University

Hailey Parry, Louisiana State University

Ammasi Periasamy, University of Virginia

Vladislav Shcheslavskiy*, Becker & Hickl

Marina Shirmanova*, Nishni Novgorod

Melissa Skala, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Benjamin Smith, University of California, Berkeley

Elizabeth Wayne, University of Washington

Thorsten Wohland, National University of Singapore

Tickets:**

Student:

Early Bird: $300

In-Person: $350

Academic/University Researchers:

In-Person: $650

Industry/Private Researchers:

In-Person: $1000

Virtual Attendance (Talks Only):

Early Bird: $100

General: $150

**taxes and fees not included

Early Bird pricing EXTENDED until November 30, 2025

Purchase tickets here: FLAIR 2026 Marketplace

We look forward to welcoming you to this groundbreaking & collaborative workshop!

Organizers:

Holly Aaron, Molecular Imaging Center, University of California, Berkeley

Luis Alvarez, Molecular Imaging Center, University of California, Berkeley

Wolfgang Becker, Becker-Hickl, Germany

Michelle Digman, Laboratoy for Fluorescence Dynamics, Univeristy of California, Irvine

Feather Ives, Merritt College, Oakland, California

Cherise Stanley, Molecular Imaging Center, University of California, Berkeley

Adeela Syed, Optical Biology Core Facility, University of California, Irvine

We could not host FLAIR without all of our wonderful sponsors.