CFMO may 2026
New edition of the Fundamentals of Optical Microscopy Course (CFMO) — May 2026 | Fundamentals of Optical Microscopy for Life Sciences
The Fundamentals of Optical Microscopy Course (CFMO) returns with a new edition taking place from May 11 to 15, 2026, hosted primarily at the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo (IPMONT).
With a 40-hour workload combining lectures and hands-on laboratory sessions, the course is designed to provide comprehensive training in optical microscopy: from the fundamentals of light-matter interaction to laser scanning confocal microscopy and bioimage analysis.
How to participate?
This course will be offered in a “multimodal” format, meaning the theoretical module can be taken in person in Montevideo or virtually from anywhere, and the practical modules are optional: if you choose to take them, you can do so at any of the four available locations:
- CIITED Jujuy, Argentina
- UAysén Coyhaique, Chile
- UPCH Lima, Peru
- UBA – IPMon Montevideo, Uruguay
Modalities:
- Virtual theoretical course streamed from UBA-IPMon
- In-person theoretical course at UBA-IPMon
- In-person theoretical course at UBA-IPMon + In-person practical at UBA-IPMon
- Virtual theoretical course streamed from UBA-IPMon + In-person practical at optional location Laboratory practicals are held exclusively in person, with limited spots available at all locations.
Course content Over five days, the program will cover the following modules:
- Brightfield microscopy and basic optics
- Image digitization and cameras
- Interference microscopies (phase contrast, DIC, polarization)
- Fluorescence phenomenon and probe selection
- Fluorescence microscopy and multicolor imaging
- Laser scanning confocal microscopy
- Sample preparation and live imaging
- Introduction to bioimage analysis with Fiji
Teaching staff
Organizers:
- Mag. Marcela Díaz, UBA-IPMon, Uruguay
- Dr. Marcos Durán, CIITED, Argentina
- Dr. Jorge Toledo, UAysén, Chile
- Dra. Marcela Vidal, UPCH, Peru
Theoretical instructors:
Dr. Andrés Hugo Rossi | Argentina
Lic. Alejandra Ross | Argentina
Dr. Bruno Pannunzio | Uruguay
Dr. Leonel Malacrida | Uruguay
Ing. Micaela Lopassio | Uruguay
Mag. Nicole Salgado | Chile
TU. Rodrigo Vena | Argentina
Dr. Agustín Corbat | Argentina
Dra. Jessica Rosello | Uruguay
