32nd EASD Scientists Training Course

Inside the Islets: A Practical Deep Dive into Pancreatic Islet Physiology and Pathology

Course Overview

The course is intended to be a practical course to study physiology and pathophysiology of pancreatic islets for EASD members with research experience working in an academic environment. It will be delivered in English, and participants must be fluent in the language. 

To ensure a prominent level of interaction and personalised training, participation is limited to a maximum of 15 applicants, who must attend the full duration of the course from Monday, 23rd to Friday, 27th November 2026.

Faculty and Venue

The course is hosted by the research laboratory at the Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF) in Montpellier, France, led by Dr Magalie Ravier and Dr Safia Costes. It offers a comprehensive overview of current diabetes research, integrating daily lectures with hands-on training in both basic and clinical science, under the theme “Innovative Therapeutics for Diabetes”.

Format

Participants will take part in a hands-on practical course, rotating in small groups through different laboratory modules to maximise interaction with faculty. The programme will include:

• Introductory lectures
• Structured practical training sessions 
• Thematic learning blocks

The final day will be held jointly with the 8th Montpellier Diabetes Day Symposium, featuring lectures by international experts in pancreatic islet physiology and diabetes. 

Focus

This course provides comprehensive training in islet biology, combining theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory techniques. 

Participants will gain skills that can be directly applied and transferred to their home institutions, supporting ongoing and future diabetes research.

Course content

Daily hands-on sessions will include:

1. Insulin secretion measurements from mouse islets 
2. Islet dissociation and imaging techniques, including:
   • Single-cell and cluster preparation
   • Adenoviral infection
   • Monitoring second messengers (e.g. cytosolic calcium using Fura-2) and protein kinase activity using targeted probes
3. Protein expression and apoptosis analysis:  
   • Cellular stress models relevant to diabetes 
   • Protein assay 
   • Western blotting
4. Histological and cellular techniques:
   • Islet embedding and sectioning 
   • Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry
5. Clinical lectures, including:
   • Artificial pancreas (Prof. Eric Renard) 
   • Islet transplantation (Dr. Orianne Villard) 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be EASD members
• Hold a medical degree or PhD or currently pursuing a PhD
• Have no more than 10 years of professional experience after degree completion
• Work in an academic environment
• Be fluent in English 

Participants must attend in person and be present for all sessions. 

Selection will be conducted by an EASD sub-committee based on the submitted application materials. 

Cost of the course

• Covered by EASD: Accommodation and meals for the duration of the course
• Participant responsibility: Travel costs

Application Requirements

The application must include the following: 

1. Curriculum Vitae
   • Full academic and/or clinical career details 
   • Complete list of publications
   • Meetings/workshops attended
   • Current professional address and contact details
2. Letter of Support (1 page)
   • From Head of Department or supervisor
   • Must confirm support for continued diabetes research
3. Research Statement (1 page)
   • Current research interests
   • How the course will support immediate and long-term research goals
4. Proof of EASD membership

How to apply

Please log in to MyEASD and submit your application via the Scientists Training Course tab on the MyEASD dashboard.

Application deadline: 12:00 midday (CEST), 30 June 2026.

Apply via MyEASD

Contact

For any queries, please contact: Amina Anttila amina.anttila@easd.org - EASD Training and Education Department