A Protocol Conference - What do you think? - How many scientists would consider a protocol conference (Jul/17/2008 )

In my experience, one of the largest drawbacks to sucessful research is lack of experience or knowledge of experimental protocol.

Protocols in many labs are simply passed down from one grad. student to the next. Often times, these protocols are watered down, situation specific, and lack an explanation of the procedure. They are merely step by step instructions to accomplish one specific tasks. All too often, students believe these protocols can easily be altered to fit their own project...

The potential for bad experimental results because of this is unlimited...

I wonder how many of stuggled, as i did, to learn simple things like Western Blotting and Confocal Microscopy simply because you had no one in your lab to teach you and your advisor was too cheap, too proud, or too unsupportive to let you do what was necessary to learn the protocol...

So much time is wasted this way.

Now imagine, a conferrence, in which the goal is to provide workshops that take an honest aim at teaching things such as BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

- Western Blotting
- PCA
- Transfection
- Confocal Microscopy
- Immuno-precipitation
- Cell Culture
- Reagent Preparation
- Elisa
- Affinity Chromatography
- Protein Purification
- DNA isolation/purification
- Flow Cytometry

Some broad, basic, straight-forward biological experimental protocols.

Naturally, the classes could not be 'all-encompasing' but they could be thorough enough to give the big picture, and install confidence in the student.

How many of you would consider attending such a conference?

It is a good idea, and I am sure many in the trainee position would be interested, but..

1. Most of us learn basics and advanced techniques at school.

2. There are many workshops associated with conferences (pre and post)

3. Faculty are less likely to be interested in spending money this way, and they are the ones who decide who goes to what conf/workshops.

So, if you were to start such a conference chain ( ), I may not invest my money!

However, you can hire me as an instructor, for free

Cell counter, Thanks for the reply. I've had those thoughts too... I realize something like this is more of a wish than a possibility, but you never know. Perhaps, it's something that I could start on a small scale, on my own...

Now, I've read many of your posts and comments... In spite of that, I'm convinced you're intelligent, experienced in science, and would be a good instructor... LOL and would DEFINITELY hire you, especially for free, if you're serious...

(note: the 'in spite of that' part of the comment was a joke... I point this out for those scientists who might be humor impaired...)

Like I said, I have the same thoughts that you shared but: (why is there always a but?)

1. Most of us learn basics and advanced techniques at school.

True, but often times it takes a long time to find someone who REALLY wants to invest the time to teach us. Grad-students - teaching grad-students - teaching grad-students... Things can get lost over time and in the translation.

Also, where it might take months to find the right (willing) person to teach us, we could get rock-solid training in a single day at a conference.


2. There are many workshops associated with conferences (pre and post)

True, and I've often wanted to attend one but either there was no time, I couldn't go to the conference, or my advisor wouldn't pay... (which is your next point)

However, (and please correct me if i'm wrong, although don't SAY I'm wrong, but rather say something like 'you misunderstand') aren't those workshops ussually more advanced and rather quick? Are they ever for a full day?


3. Faculty are less likely to be interested in spending money this way, and they are the ones who decide who goes to what conf/workshops.

Faculty uninterested in spending money? Okay, NOW you're just LYING!!! LOL! (for the humor impaired (H.I.) That's a joke. And a darn fine one at that!)

THIS is what I see as the major hurdle. There is, however, a great deal of funding available that goes into projects or conferences that help to educate scientists, and spread knowledge... And as I'm sure you know, grants are so easy to get... I ussually have to burn the old money just to make room for the new money.

All that said, you're absolutely right. I know... But... "I HAVE A DREAM!"

Imagine, if you will, a Conference

- In Panama City Beach... or Hawaii.... or Savannah...
- Four days
- Either 1/2 day or Full day courses


In four days, a new grad-student could leave with solid understanding, and SOME experience, in a number of protocol which are imperatives in his field...

It's possible that my desire for this is because i come from a graduate school that was SO LACKING in teaching of basic protocol that I actually think it's much worse than it really is in the rest of the world...

You'd love being an instructor at such a conference, wouldn't you! free room, transportation, and I'd even buy you a non-american beer....

Cell counter, Thanks for the reply. I've had those thoughts too... I realize something like this is more of a wish than a possibility, but you never know. Perhaps, it's something that I could start on a small scale, on my own...

Now, I've read many of your posts and comments... In spite of that, I'm convinced you're intelligent, experienced in science, and would be a good instructor... LOL and would DEFINITELY hire you, especially for free, if you're serious...

(note: the 'in spite of that' part of the comment was a joke... I point this out for those scientists who might be humor impaired...)

Like I said, I have the same thoughts that you shared but: (why is there always a but?)

1. Most of us learn basics and advanced techniques at school.

True, but often times it takes a long time to find someone who REALLY wants to invest the time to teach us. Grad-students - teaching grad-students - teaching grad-students... Things can get lost over time and in the translation.

Also, where it might take months to find the right (willing) person to teach us, we could get rock-solid training in a single day at a conference.

You are right.


2. There are many workshops associated with conferences (pre and post)

True, and I've often wanted to attend one but either there was no time, I couldn't go to the conference, or my advisor wouldn't pay... (which is your next point)

However, (and please correct me if i'm wrong, although don't SAY I'm wrong, but rather say something like 'you misunderstand') aren't those workshops ussually more advanced and rather quick? Are they ever for a full day?

You are right. In addition, they are generally useless


3. Faculty are less likely to be interested in spending money this way, and they are the ones who decide who goes to what conf/workshops.

Faculty uninterested in spending money? Okay, NOW you're just LYING!!! LOL! (for the humor impaired (H.I.) That's a joke. And a darn fine one at that!)

THIS is what I see as the major hurdle. There is, however, a great deal of funding available that goes into projects or conferences that help to educate scientists, and spread knowledge... And as I'm sure you know, grants are so easy to get... I ussually have to burn the old money just to make room for the new money.

When you are in that status (and I am not implying you are not now ), I think it would be a good idea to pursue some philanthropies, NSF or NIH to provide start-up funds. You are right, there is always some money left aside for science education, and with luck, connection, and right background and authority, you can get such grants.

All that said, you're absolutely right. I know... But... "I HAVE A DREAM!"

Salute (where is that smiley?)

Imagine, if you will, a Conference

- In Panama City Beach... or Hawaii.... or Savannah...
- Four days
- Either 1/2 day or Full day courses


In four days, a new grad-student could leave with solid understanding, and SOME experience, in a number of protocol which are imperatives in his field...

It's possible that my desire for this is because i come from a graduate school that was SO LACKING in teaching of basic protocol that I actually think it's much worse than it really is in the rest of the world...

You'd love being an instructor at such a conference, wouldn't you! free room, transportation, and I'd even buy you a non-american beer....

Re venues for such a workshop, has anyone else heard of Geek Cruises, or Insight, as they are now known? Check out the site, and imagine what we could do...
www.insightcruises.com

I just wanted to add my very insightful comment that this is a really great idea but do agree there are many obstacles. I would def. go.

I think this is a brillant idea.
I will be glad to attend this conference
if u can make it happen

Good idea.

I will definately register for the workshop.

1. Most of us learn basics and advanced techniques at school.

This would be my dream! Around here you only learn theory.....which is good, but often has nothing to do with the application

3. Faculty are less likely to be interested in spending money this way, and they are the ones who decide who goes to what conf/workshops.

Faculty uninterested in spending money? Okay, NOW you're just LYING!!! LOL! (for the humor impaired (H.I.) That's a joke. And a darn fine one at that!)

THIS is what I see as the major hurdle. There is, however, a great deal of funding available that goes into projects or conferences that help to educate scientists, and spread knowledge... And as I'm sure you know, grants are so easy to get... I ussually have to burn the old money just to make room for the new money.

Is there a way to keep it cheap? Some kind of non-profit conference? Or sponsoring?

All that said, you're absolutely right. I know... But... "I HAVE A DREAM!"

Imagine, if you will, a Conference

- In Panama City Beach... or Hawaii.... or Savannah...
- Four days
- Either 1/2 day or Full day courses

Sounds great, but see above.....cheap? Maybe a camping trip to some university campus would be better for the faculty budget

You'd love being an instructor at such a conference, wouldn't you! free room, transportation, and I'd even buy you a non-american beer....

Then Europe would be a good location and I would come for sure