Core Training Activities

BSRC “Alexander Fleming” has developed a solid program of post-graduate/post-doctoral training that is based on the critical interaction of young researchers with internal and external scientists, local Academic Programmes and advisory boards from the fields of basic and applied sciences. Scientific management, dissemination and orientation are achieved in 3 levels. In the first level research driven training is assessed in open group meetings and journal clubs to discuss progress and follow up on scientific literature. Secondly, post-graduate trainees, join Academic PhD programmes and follow their courses in specific biological disciplines, scientific reporting and orientation. Thirdly, the Centre has developed the following open training modules for transferable skills:

1. Training Seminar Series

All Early stage and Experienced Researchers employed by the 3 Institutes of the Centre (Immunology, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Oncology) in a weekly program of open scheduled presentations in English, simulating an International Conference Environment. This program (http://www.fleming.gr/en/seminars-internal.html) aims to enhance the scientific presentation skills of the young researchers and allow their interaction, exchange of ideas and critical assessment from their peers, senior members of the staff and external scientists.

2. Training Course in Laboratory Animal Science

This is a 2-week practical course organized by the Animal Facility of the Centre in a yearly basis and is open to Fleming Staff and external parties. It includes lectures, practical and demonstrations in the following topics:

a. Principles of Animal Care, Welfare & Nutrition
b. Principles of Animal Experimentation
c. Routine Animal Breeding, genotyping
d. Ethical Aspects of Animal Experimentation
e. National and International Codes of Contact and Legislation
The contents of the course are in line with recommendations of the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) and participants are evaluated by their instructors to obtain certification.

Upcoming course in Laboratory Animal Science (21/9-2/10/2009). More Info...

3. Workshop in Science Management and Entrepreneurship

The Centre’s Technology Transfer Office organizes an open-access one-to-two day workshop on procedures of Patenting, Application Preparation and Commercial Exploitation of scientific results. The workshop is organized on a yearly basis with the participation of representatives from National and European Patent Offices as well as invited lecturers from the industry.


Finally, as a coordinating member of the MUGEN network of excellence (www.mugen-noe.org) , the Institute of Immunology organizes open-access training courses in Transgenesis and Mouse mutagenesis, whilst it participates in the organization of training courses in Expression Profiling and Bioinformatics. MUGEN also acts as a co-organizer of the famous ENII Summer School in Immunology.