Short Courses

Pre-Conference Short Courses*

Monday, December 6

8:00 am Pre-Conference Short Course One Registration *

8:30 -10:30 Short Course One

SC1: Biostabilization of Biospecimens

Biospecimens include tissues, cells, bodily fluids and their constituent macromolecules. Bio-specimen procurers and users are generally in different physical locations and biospecimens are typically collected for use at a later time. Therefore, the critical properties of each biospecimen must be preserved during processing, transport and storage. The course provides an important overview of the current state of preservation, the scientific basis for preservation and practical advice for preservation biospecimens and alternative stabilization techniques.

Educational Objectives:

• Describe current pitfalls and needs in biopreservation
• Understand the current scientific basis for preservation at different scales (molecule, cell, tissue)
• Overview of starting a biorepository, developing facilities, development of standard operating procedures, and quality control
• Alternative stabilization and storage techniques 

Who Should Attend:

• Biorepository managers
• Biospecimen processing and storage technicians
• Scientists involved in biomarker discovery or use
• Biotechnology companies
• Medical device companies

Course Instructors:

Alptekin Aksan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota

Allison Hubel, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Biopreservation Core Resource, University of Minnesota

10:30 Refreshment Break and Short Course Two Registration *

10:45 -12:45 pm Short Course Two

SC2: Transitioning a Biobanking Effort with Scientific
and Fiscal Responsibility:Creating a Model for Both
Academic and Industry Programs

The scientific challenges that biobanks currently face is only half of the problem.  The integration of fiscal responsibility for the design, creation and implementation of both small and large biobanks is of paramount importance.  This workshop will address the practical operational issues from a scientific and fiscal perspective when creating, transitioning and managing a comprehensive biobanking and lab services program.  Tools will be provided to help scientists, managers and business units grow existing programs in a fiscally responsible manner without sacrificing science or sample quality.

Educational Objectives:

• How to evaluate and implement new technologies both operationally and fiscally
• How to build cost structures for comprehensive biobanking services
• When and how to integrate automation without “breaking the bank”
• How to evaluate storage environments to balance cost vs. stability
• How to add services in a scientific and fiscally responsible manner
• How to model your business “around” your science

Who Should Attend:

• Biorepository directors and managers
• Program development managers
• Lead scientists providing/requesting samples from a biorepository
• Business unit heads

Course Instructor: 
Andrew Brooks, Ph.D., Director of Operations, Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository; Associate Professor, Genetics, Rutgers University

* Separate Registration Required