ELISA Training, April 2026
A point of access to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques in a practical user-friendly form.

Details

When? Wednesday 29 April 2026, 10:00 to 13:00
Where? Heinz Wolff building, Brunel University of London, Kingston Ln, London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH
CPD Approved This event is approved for CPD

* This course contributes to the Royal Society of Biology's Technical Skills Certificate
Bookings for this event will close on 31 March (subject to change).

Course location: In-person, Brunel University of London

Overview

The world is full of pathogens that infect us and cause disease. Often these can be grown in culture for identification purposes, but with some pathogens it is difficult to collect samples, they are difficult to grow and diagnosis can take a long time. Therefore, other diagnostic techniques must be used in clinical setting to allow rapid and cost-effective detection and identification. One such technique routinely used is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This is an immunological based assay that can be used to measure antibodies, antigens, proteins and glycoproteins associated with the pathogen in biological samples. On this practical course you will learn about the different types of ELISA, how they work, and use a working example to detect if some patients have an immune response to Aspergillus fumigatus. 
You will learn both the Indirect and Sandwich ELISA techniques, understand the pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, and how it can induce a hyperactive immune response (allergic response) to the presence of this pathogen.

Aims

The broad aims of the course are to:
  • Provide the foundations of what ELISA is and why it is important for patient diagnosis. 
  • Introduce the equipment and techniques associated with undertaking different types of ELISA.
  • Provide practical application of undertaking ELISA tests.
  • Guide on the analysis of results and what the results mean. 

Who is the course for?

Biological and medical scientists who wish to learn the ELISA technique, and how to refine and apply it. No prior knowledge of the ELISA technique will be required, and the purpose of the course is to offer a practical point of access to this technique in a practical user-friendly form.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:
  • Understand the principles of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
  • Learn about Aspergillus fumigatus and how it can cause both infections and allergic responses.
  • Learn the different types of ELISA (Indirect and Sandwich).
  • The practical applications of ELISA. 
  • Understand how the data is analysed and what it means. 

Course tutor

The course will be run by Dr Ashley Houlden. Ashley is a microbial ecologist, with research interests in microbial community (host-microbiome) structure and function. He has studied soil microbial ecology relating to fungi diseases in crops, before moving into research on the medical microbiome. 
Ashley is a co-investigator in the “Organ-on-a-Chip” interdisciplinary research group at Brunel University London. This research group focuses on developing in vitro models of the breast, vagina, ovary and placenta, with a view to their use in pre-clinical trials of new drugs.
Ashley is currently a Lecturer in the Division of Biosciences, College of Health, Medical and Life Sciences at Brunel University London. He teaches at second year undergraduate and at MSc level, and has also been involved in providing lab “taster” sessions for secondary school children and our BSc Biomedical Science course applicants.

Technical skills and continuing professional development

This practical based course contributes to the RSB Technical Skills certificate, which can support applications to our professional registers. 

This course is approved for purposes of CPD, and attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and 9 CPD points.

Fees

Members - £175  + 20% VAT

Non-members - £350 + 20% VAT

Get in touch with training@rsb.org.uk to access these rates:

  • Members of Member Organisations, SCAS members - £262.50 + 20% VAT
  • Non-members who have completed a membership application and made payment - £175 + 20% VAT.

If your organisation wishes to book staff in bulk for this course, please get in touch.

Contact

For further information about the course please contact Raksha Harwood, Training and Registers Officer at training@rsb.org.uk or on 020 3925 3449.

Special requirements

If you have accessibility requirements, please let us know during your booking, and we will do what we can to accommodate your needs.

Terms and Conditions

By booking to attend this event, you are confirming you have agreed to the RSB's Terms and Conditions which can be found here.



Code of Conduct

By its Royal Charter, the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) has the powers to promote, establish and support standards of professional skill and conduct. The RSB is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in the life sciences, and supports diversity throughout the pipeline. We proactively promote a culture of inclusivity within our discipline and the broader STEM community. It is vital at any RSB event or meeting, that everyone attending is free from any form of harassment or discrimination, feels comfortable and safe, and has the opportunity for an enjoyable experience.

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