MIG Spatial Transcriptomics Workshop

Introduction to spatial transcriptomics data analysis: normalisation, cell typing and differential gene expression

About the Workshop

Spatial RNA-seq has enabled us to examine transcriptional activities of cells in complex tissue microenvironments. Maintaining the spatial context of cellular gene expression is vital for understanding how location influences cellular function and interaction within complex tissues. Despite these advantages, the field faces significant challenges in standardising analytical approaches. Current workflows for spatial RNA-seq data often involve fragmented pipelines with varying normalisation strategies, cell type identification methods and differential expression analyses.

Our workshop addresses this critical need by leveraging latest bioinformatic method development for spatial RNA-seq. We will examine cutting-edge approaches for spatial RNA-seq normalisation that account for technical artefacts while preserving biological variation, discuss robust computational methods for cell state identification within tissue contexts and evaluate strategies for identifying spatially variable genes. By bringing together experts and practitioners, we aim to move towards consensus on best practices that balance analytical rigour with biological interpretability, ultimately accelerating discoveries across developmental biology, disease pathology and therapeutic development.

Lead Instructors: Dr Chin Wee Tan (WEHI), Melody Jin (WEHI) and Dr Jiadong Mao (MIG)

Prerequisites:

• Basic knowledge of R programming language
• Basic knowledge of high-throughput sequencing, e.g. bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq
• Basic knowledge of bioinformatics, e.g. experience Seurat pipelines

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Registration & Cancellation Policy

To secure your place in this workshop, the registration fee must be paid at the time of booking. This policy supports participant commitment and allows us to plan and allocate resources effectively.

Cancellations Made in Advance: If you need to cancel your registration, please notify us at least one week prior to the workshop start time. In this case, a full refund will be issued. Refunds will be processed within five business days.

No-Show Policy: If you do not attend the workshop and have not cancelled in advance, your registration fee will be non-refundable.

Late Cancellations: Cancellations made less than one week before the workshop will be considered a no-show, and the registration fee will not be refunded.

Illness or Exceptional Circumstances: If you are unable to attend due to illness or other exceptional circumstances, please contact us. Refunds may be granted at MIG’s discretion, on a case-by-case basis.

This policy is designed to ensure fairness to all participants and to support the smooth delivery of our workshops.

Thank you for your understanding.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your registration, please contact us at mig-ea@unimelb.edu.au