Training School on Fungal Respiratory Infections: Molecular Diagnosis of Pneumocystis by PCR, Sanger and Nanopore Sequencing
The COST Action CA23142 Delve-into-Pneumocystis is pleased to announce its upcoming Training School, "Fungal Respiratory Infections", which will take place in Brest, France, from 24–28 August 2026. The course will provide intensive theoretical and hands-on training in end-point PCR, Sanger sequencing, and Oxford Nanopore MinION® sequencing for the molecular detection and characterization of Pneumocystis. Applications are open until 12 August 2026.
The COST Action CA23142 – Delve-into-Pneumocystis is pleased to invite applications for the Training School Fungal Respiratory Infections, which will take place at the Faculty of Medicine, Brest, France, from 24 to 28 August 2026.
Coordinated by Prof. Enrique Calderón, the course will be delivered by Prof. Gilles Névez, Prof. Solène Le Gal, Julie Guiblin (MSc, PhD student), and Nathan Le Nan (Laboratory Technician). Participants will receive intensive theoretical and practical training in three key molecular techniques widely used for the diagnosis and characterization of Pneumocystis infections:
- End-point PCR
- Sanger sequencing
- Oxford Nanopore MinION® sequencing
The programme combines lectures with laboratory-based practical sessions covering PCR amplification, purification of PCR products, Sanger sequencing, Nanopore library preparation, sequencing workflows, data analysis, and comparison of sequencing approaches.
To ensure a highly interactive learning experience, the Training School has been designed for a maximum of four participants, allowing close supervision throughout the practical laboratory sessions.
Who can apply?
The Training School is open to:
- COST Action members.
- PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, clinicians, laboratory scientists, and senior researchers interested in fungal respiratory infections and molecular diagnostics.
- External participants with a research or clinical interest in Pneumocystis and molecular diagnostic techniques.
In line with COST's principles of openness and inclusiveness, external applicants are welcome and may participate if approved.
Priority may be given according to COST principles, including:
- Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs).
- Participants from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs).
- Applicants whose participation is expected to contribute significantly to the scientific objectives of the Action.
Financial Support
Financial support may be available for eligible in-person participants, in accordance with COST rules, the available budget, and Management Committee approval.
Eligible expenses may include:
- Travel costs.
- Accommodation.
- Daily allowance contributions.
Please note that financial support is not automatic and depends on COST eligibility criteria, participant country status, and the available budget.
Registration
Researchers interested in participating should express their interest by contacting the Organising Committee at contact@delve-into-pneumocystis.eu.
- Current COST Action members should send an email expressing their interest in attending the Training School. Eligible applicants will then receive an official invitation through the e-COST platform, which must be accepted to complete the registration process.
- External applicants are welcome to apply. They are encouraged to first create an e-COST profile and then contact the Organising Committee at the email address above. If selected, they will also receive an official invitation through the e-COST platform, which must be accepted to confirm their participation.
🎓 Participants who successfully complete the Training School will receive an official Certificate of Participation.
🗓️ Application deadline: 12 August 2026
