Plant cryopreservation – theory and practice
Equipping researchers with the knowledge and understanding needed to consider and apply different cryopreservation approaches for the ex situ conservation of plants.
Following on from a successful first course in 2023, we are planning to run this course again in 2025 from the 4-13 November.
Delivered by Kew’s scientists and guest lecturers who are specialists in cryopreservation and plant conservation, this course provides an opportunity to learn the theoretical basis and gain hands-on experience of the application of cryopreservation approaches for the ex situ conservation of plants.
The course is being delivered as part of the Global Tree Seed Bank: Unlocked Programme, which is funded by the Weston Foundation.
Who is the course designed for?
The course is aimed at scientists interested in applying cryopreservation techniques to achieve conservation outcomes for plant species and while there are no formal minimum academic requirements for the course, participants should be comfortable interpreting graphs, reading scientific papers and performing basic calculations.
The course will be delivered in English; therefore participants should be able to understand spoken and written technical English and be able to give presentations in English.
How is the course taught?
The course will be delivered through a mix of lectures and hands-on practical sessions, and will cover the following topics:
- Ex situ conservation using cryobiotechnology
- Short lived orthodox and intermediate seed processing for cryopreservation
- Embryonic axis cryopreservation: theory and practical
- Shoot tip cryopreservation: theory and practical
- Dormant bud cryopreservation
- Somatic embryo cryopreservation
- Fern and bryophyte cryopreservation: theory and practical
- In vitro techniques
- Developing protocols for cryopreservation
- Cryoprotectants: theory and practical
- Innovative techniques in cryopreservation and low temperature biology
- Cryobank management
The course will take place at the Millennium Seed Bank in Wakehurst, Ardingly and run for 8 days. Arrivals will be on Monday 3 November. Discounted bedrooms are available onsite and have access to kitchen facilities. Travel to and from Wakehurst must be organized and funded by training participants.
Lecture and practical sessions are from 9am to 5pm every day with regular breaks. There are no sessions scheduled on the weekend.
There will be a farewell dinner on the Wednesday 12 November and departures on Thursday 13 November.
How to apply for a place
We are inviting applications for the 2025 course. The deadline for applications is the 15 August 2025. If there are more applicants than available places priority will be to individuals directly involved in applying cryopreservation techniques or planning to in the near future. Candidates will be informed at the end of August.
Register your interest by emailing Hanna Oldfield, Training Coordinator at MSBTraining@kew.org
Banking the World's Seeds
The Millennium Seed Bank Partnership safeguards wild plant diversity and enables its sustainable utilisation through global partnership.
Millennium Seed Bank
The world’s largest underground seed bank and conservation resource for diverse wild plant species.