August 16–20, 2026 · La Jolla, California
49th Annual Course
in Cytometry
A world-class intensive course in flow cytometry —
hands-on labs and lectures taught by recognized experts
August 16–20, 2026 · La Jolla, California
A world-class intensive course in flow cytometry —
hands-on labs and lectures taught by recognized experts
About the Course
Now in its 49th year, the Annual Course in Cytometry is one of the longest-running and most respected intensive training programs in flow cytometry and cell analysis. Set against the backdrop of La Jolla's stunning coastline, this five-day course brings together leading scientists, clinicians, and emerging researchers for an immersive educational experience.
Participants gain hands-on expertise in instrument operation, panel design, data analysis, and cutting-edge cytometric technologies — all taught by a world-class faculty of cytometry experts. Whether you are new to flow cytometry or looking to deepen your advanced skills, this course offers an unmatched combination of didactic lectures and personalized laboratory sessions.
This course is built on a simple principle: for the community, by the community. Our faculty are working cytometrists who volunteer their time because they believe in accessible, high-quality education for the field. The course is a non-profit endeavor organized and overseen by Cytometry Educational Associates, Inc. (CEAI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing cytometry education. Registration fees are kept as low as possible and go directly toward supporting the course.
Before You Register
The course spans foundations through advanced applications — below is a frank read on who tends to get the most out of it.
Graduate students, postdocs, research technicians, and core facility staff a few months to a couple of years into flow work. You've used an instrument, run experiments, and want to move from "it works when I follow the protocol" to genuinely understanding why.
Years of bench work and technical skills but no flow cytometry background. The biology won't slow you down — the Course is your orientation to the technique itself, and you'll learn fast.
You know your way around a cytometer, but spectral unmixing, UMAP, and automated clustering all came along after your last deep dive. The Course refreshes the fundamentals and adds the modern toolkit — spectral cytometry, high-dimensional analysis, and current best practices.
If you're still building basic wet lab skills and haven't worked with a cytometer, the pace may be overwhelming. We'd suggest a vendor training session or shadowing a core user for a couple of months first, then coming back once you've run a few experiments.
Every year a handful of principal investigators and lab heads join the Course — sometimes to build their own flow expertise, sometimes in response to grant reviews that flagged cytometry as a weakness. You'll be welcome, not out of place.
46th Annual Course · San Diego, 2023
Enrollment
⏰ Early Registration Ends May 31, 2026
Save $400 — register now at the early rate of $2,500.
To pay by ACH/bank transfer, email info@sdcytocourse.org
This course qualifies for 14.25 CE credits through the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC). Each of the 19 lectures is approved for 0.75 CE hours. The ASCP BOC activity number will be published here upon approval. Participants receive a certificate of completion.
Enrollment is limited to ensure each participant receives personalized attention during laboratory sessions. Registration includes all lectures, 5 assigned laboratory sessions, course materials, the closing reception (Aug 20, 5:30–8:30 PM), and social events throughout the week. Payment is processed securely via Stripe. A separate lab preference ranking form will be sent to registrants in June.
You will be redirected to our secure registration form. Payment processed by Stripe. To pay by ACH, email info@sdcytocourse.org. Lab preference form follows in June.
For the Community, By the Community
46th Annual Course in Cytometry — La Jolla, CA
Our Supporters
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Interested in sponsoring? View the sponsorship prospectus or contact us directly.
Organized By
Oversight and support provided by Cytometry Educational Associates Inc. (CEAI)
