Flow Cytometry Hands-On Course: MRC Unit, The Gambia, LSHTM

The Gambia Immunology Society (GAMIS) successfully convened a five-day Flow Cytometry Workshop from 24-29 December 2025, in collaboration with the Flow Cytometry Facilities, Immunology Platform, MRC Unit, The Gambia. The training was led by Dr Martin Goodier, Facilities head and supported by Jainaba Njie Jobe, GAMIS Treasurer and Immunology Platform manger, Dr Ya Jankey Jagne, post-doctoral researcher and President of Gambia Immunology Society and immunology platform staff Bakary Sanneh and Yusupha Jallow. There were 14 postgraduate participants from Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dalal Jaam Hospital, Dakar and MRC Unit, The Gambia at LSHTM.

Figure 1. Flow Cytometry course faculty and attendees

This course followed on directly from a short theoretical Flow Cytometry course held at the Federation of African Immunological Societies (FAIS) meeting in Benin, co-organised by the Gambian and Beninoise Immunological Societies in December 2024.

Figure 2. Flow Cytometry Trainees

The course provided in-depth training in technical laboratory aspects of flow cytometry. It also provided networking opportunities for future collaboration between the different institutions.

Presentations during the course focused on antibody titration, PMT voltage setting by voltration and panel design and testing. Flow Cytometry panel design exercises using online tools were followed by hands on experience in antibody titration, cell preparation and staining and panel testing. Participants also received hands-on experience in running samples, acquiring data, analyzing and presenting their own data. Further advice on data analysis was given in an online follow up session.

Financial support towards organizing the course was received from the Federation of African Immunology Societies (FAIS).