3rd Training School, Faro (Portugal), January 2015

Techniques in Reproductive Biology and Cryobanking
Faro (Portugal), 13th – 16th January 2015

Scientific report

The 3rd Training School of the AQUAGAMETE COST Action, entitled “Techniques in Reproductive Biology and Cryobanking”, was held at the University of Algarve in Faro (Portugal) on 13th – 16th January 2015. The course was organized by Dr. Elsa Cabrita, Dr. Sonia Martínez-Páramo and Dr. Sofia Engrola from the Centre of Marine Sciences, and it was attended by 21 students from 9 different countries, most of them preparing their PhD. Twelve expert trainers participated in the lectures and practical classes.
The Training School was organized in 6 lectures, embracing topics like epigenetics of sex determination and its applications to aquaculture (Dr. Francesc Piferrer); the epigenetic effect of temperature in teleost ontogeny (Dr. Jorge Fernandes); cell cryopreservation and new insights in cryodamage (Dr. Elsa Cabrita); diploid genome preservation and regeneration (Dr. Catherine Labbé); germ cell applications in reproductive biology (Dr. Martin Psenicka); some case studies on cryopreservation, such as gilthead seabream (Dr. José Beirão) and oyster larvae (Dr. Catherine Labbé). After the lectures the students were invited to make short presentations to introduce themselves, and talk about their current research, interests or concerns on the different topics of the course, leading to an open discussion.
The students could participate in 3 hands-on practical classes. In the first one the students learn different ways for in ovo delivery of nutrients using sonophoresis and microinjection (Dr. Sofia Engrola, MSc. Filipa Rocha, MSc. Rita Colen). In the second, students learn how to cryopreserved gilthead seabream sperm using different protocols and how evaluate sperm quality after thawing using the CASA software to analyse motility and the fluorescent dyes Sybr green and propidium iodide to quantify cell viability (Dr. José Beirão and Dr. Sonia Martínez-Páramo). In the last practical classes, it was showed how to isolate primordial germ cells from Senegalese sole juveniles for further cryopreservation and how to microinject them in zebrafish embryos (Dr. Elsa Cabrita and Dr. Marta F. Riesco). There was also a visit to the facilities of the experimental station of the Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute –IPMA, in Olhão (Portugal).

Results of the surveys showed that 90% of the students classified the quality of the training school as excellent or very good, according to their expectations and accomplished objectives.
Family picture TS Faro 2015 2

Second Announcement

Dear colleagues,

More detailed information is now available for the 3rd AQUAGAMETE Training School which will be held at the Centre for Marine Sciences, CCMAR, 13-16th January in Faro, Portugal. This training School is aimed towards young researchers (PhD students, young post-docs and MSc students) as well as representatives from industry. The course will be focused on Techniques in Fish Reproductive Biology and Cryobanking integrating aspects of different expertise and covering topics in theoretical lectures and practical classes.

Tentative classes:

Theoretical:
Epigenetics of sex determination
Epigenetics in development and aquaculture
Cryopreservation damage in germ cells
Diploid genome preservation and regeneration
Germ cell applications in reproductive biology
Standardization of procedures and reporting in cryopreservation
Cryopreservation case studies: seabream, eel and oyster larvae

Practical classes:
Sperm cryopreservation in marine fish
Applications of microinjection to egg quality improvement
Germ line isolation and microinjection

The number of participants will be restricted to 15 persons. Registration is available until 1st December and both for students (100 euros) and for industry representatives (300 euros) includes lunches, access to all lectures and laboratorial practices, support material and transport between facilities and main hotel. Complete applications must be sent via e-mail to aquagamete@gmail.com.
Eligible candidates supported by COST will receive a grant (reimbursed after the course) which may cover travel, accommodation and daily allowance. Grant decisions, including the amount granted, will be communicated to each candidate by 8th December. Registration payment will be done after this date. We will contact you with this information.

For more detailed information please contact Pepa Bayarri (aquagamete@gmail.com) or Elsa Cabrita (ecabrita@ualg.pt).

Applications should include:
• Application form;
• Short Curriculum Vitae in the area (only for students);
• Motivation letter for participating in the training school, which should indicate the academic/professional status of the applicant;
• Letter of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor or employer
• Financial support justification (brief explanation of expected travel costs derived of the attendance to the Training School)

Local information and organization
The course will be organized by the Aquaculture Research group from CCMAR and will be held at the facilities of the University of Algarve. There will be a bus available from the hotel Faro, downtown to the University (around 6.7 km) in the morning and after finishing the classes.

How to arrive to Faro?
By plain:
• Directly to Faro. There are several low cost companies operating to this destination.
• Via Lisbon (Portela airport) and then taking a train at Oriente station directly to Faro (3 h) or a flight connection Lisbon-Faro.
• Via Seville and then taking a bus to Faro.
Train schedule can be checked at www.cp.pt

Where to stay in Faro?
Hotel Faro (4 stars)
Web: www.hotelfaro.pt
rates: 57€ / 67€ (single/double with buffet breakfast included)

Hotel Eva (4 stars)
Web: hotel-eva-faro.h-rez.com
rates: 68€ /78€ (single/double with buffet breakfast included)

Hotel Santa Maria (3 stars)
Web: www.hotelsantamaria.pt
rates: 39€ (single or double, breakfast not included)

Hospedaria São Filipe
Email:geral@guesthouse-saofilipe.com
Web: www.guesthouse-saofilipe.com
rates: 31 €/36 € (single/double room)

Hotel Dom Bernardo
Email :reservas@hoteldombernardo.com
Web: www.hoteldombernardo.com
rates: 33 €/39 € (single/double)

Hostel Residencial Sun Algarve
Email:reservas@residencialalgarve.com
Web: www.residencialalgarve.com
rates: 32 €/40 € (single/double)

Casa d’Alagoa – Faro Hostel
Email: farohostel@gmail.com
Facebook http://pt-br.facebook.com/hostelcasadalagoa#!/hostelcasadalagoa?sk=info

Bed and Breakfast Azothea
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Azotheabnb
rates: 30 euros single or double

All prices are indicative and were consulted by internet, expect for hotel Eva and Hotel Faro where we agreed a special price.

Transportation to the University
Daily transportation will pick student at the Hotel Faro and leave them at the University facilities each morning and for returning.

Training school location

File to download:
Training school 2nd announcement

First Announcement

Dear colleagues,

The AQUAGAMETE COST Action (aquagamete.webs.upv.es/web) is pleased to announce the 3rd AQUAGAMETE Training School.
The 3rd AQUAGAMETE Training School is aimed towards young researchers (PhD students, young post-docs and MSc students) as well as representatives from industry. The course will be focused on Techniques in Reproductive Biology and Cryobanking, integrating aspects of different expertise and covering topics such as:

 Epigenetics in aquaculture and cryobanking
 Gamete cryopreservation
 Post-thaw gamete quality evaluation
 Germline biotechnology
 Cryopreservation applications
 Basic knowledge on cell cryopreservation

The 3rd AQUAGAMETE Training School will highlight the most recent developments in each topic, promoting a strong interaction between experienced trainers working in different Techniques in Reproductive Biology and Cryobanking and trainees.

The course will take place between 13 – 16th January 2015 at CCMAR-University of Algarve (Portugal) facilities and will be organized by the Aquaculture Research Group.

The number of participants will be restricted to 18 persons. Financial support from the AQUAGAMETE COST Action (for travelling and accommodation) will be available for students. Registration is available until the 1st December and both for students (100 euros) and for industry representatives (300 euros) includes all lunches, access to lectures and laboratorial practices, support material, transport between facilities and main hotel and a social dinner.

The application deadline is 1st December and complete applications must be sent via e-mail to aquagamete@gmail.com. Eligible candidates will be announced by the 8th December. For more detailed information please contact Elsa Cabrita (ecabrita@ualg.pt).

Applications should include:
• Application form;
• short Curriculum Vitae in the area (only for students);
• motivation letter for participating in the training school, which should indicate the                     academic/professional status of the applicant;
• letter of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor or employer
• Financial Support justification (only for students)

We would appreciate if you could forward this announcement via e-mail to colleagues or students who may be interested in participating. More information available soon at: https://aquagamete.webs.upv.es/

Best regards

Elsa Cabrita

Files to download:
Training course 1st announcement
Application form training school Faro 2015