Extracellular Vesicle Lipidomics Workshop (Day 2)
Bring your EV samples. Explore their lipids. Generate preliminary data.
2–3 SAMPLES PER PARTICIPANT/PROJECT
LIMITED PLACES
PILOT PROGRAMME
Extracellular Vesicle (EV) research routinely investigates proteins and nucleic acids, yet the lipid component of vesicles remains comparatively underexplored. Lipids are central to EV membrane organisation, biogenesis and biological function, but lipidomics requires specialist extraction procedures, mass spectrometry instrumentation and analytical expertise.
The School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biosciences and the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME) invite a limited number of researchers (from early career to established team leaders) to a practical pilot workshop using participants’ own EV samples. Working with Aston’s mass spectrometry specialists, attendees must prepare samples in advance, with the workshop day focused on navigating lipidomics software, analysing their data and interpreting the findings.
This event builds on the Midlands Innovation Extracellular Vesicles Network annual conference the day before (12th April), which can be registered for here: Midlands Extracellular Vesicles Conference 2027 (Day 1) · Luma
WHAT WILL THE WORKSHOP INCLUDE?
Analysis of a small number of EV samples (typically 2–3 per participant/project) on the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Ascend Tribrid mass spectrometer at Aston University.
Introduction to EV lipidomics, analytical workflows and quality-control considerations.
Hands-on data analysis: guided navigation of lipidomics software, including essential processing steps, lipid identification and annotation, data quality checks, common pitfalls and challenges in interpreting results.
Discussion of preliminary findings and opportunities for follow-on analyses, collaborations and grant applications.
SAMPLE PREPARATION: BEFORE THE WORKSHOP
Protocols and advice provided: We will advise participants on suitable lipid extraction procedures in advance and provide the necessary protocols, including guidance on sample requirements and preparation for analysis.
Optional on-site laboratory support: For attendees who require practical assistance, we can offer dates at Aston ahead of the workshop for supported lipid extraction and sample preparation.
Transporting prepared samples: Dried lipid extracts may be stored at −20 °C and brought to Aston on the day of the Meeting, following the supplied sample-handling guidance.
FROM PRELIMINARY DATA TO FUTURE COLLABORATION
The pilot aims to make specialist EV lipidomics more accessible while helping researchers test a biological question, assess feasibility and identify opportunities for further work. Preliminary data may support future grant proposals and collaborations with AIME and the Aston University Mass Spectrometry Facility.
WHAT WE WOULD LIKE FROM YOU
We ask prospective participants to provide a brief description of their project, including the biological question being investigated, the nature and source of their EV samples, and the number of samples they would like to analyse. Please also outline what you hope to gain from lipidomic analysis and how the preliminary data could support your ongoing research, address a specific knowledge gap, or contribute to future grant applications and collaborations. No prior experience in lipidomics is required.