Researchers, technicians and industry partners from across the country came together on Friday 6 March for the Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Conference 2026, hosted at the Edgbaston Park Conference Centre, University of Birmingham.
The one day meeting brought the community together to share methods, showcase applications and connect with instrument manufacturers advancing this critical discipline.
Organised by the Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Group, the event is designed as an accessible forum for both new and experienced users — combining themed talks with live sorter demonstrations, exhibitions, and opportunities for early career researchers to present their work. It sits within one of Midlands Innovation’s longest standing research networks, which promotes equipment sharing, training and collaboration across its eight partner universities.
Professor Lucy Fairclough, MI Flow Cytometry Group Chair said: “the Flow Cytometry annual conference captures what our network does best — connecting people, platforms and ideas so researchers can move faster and go further together.”
Programme highlights
The day featured a packed schedule of scientific and technical insights, with themed sessions exploring advances in spectral flow cytometry, strategies for reducing variability in high-dimensional cluster analysis, and applications spanning immunology, cancer biology, microbial physiology and placental cell characterisation.
Industry partners showcased next-generation cell-sorting technologies, real-time spatial imaging platforms and integrated single-cell profiling solutions, while delegates engaged with an exhibition of cutting-edge instruments and live sorter demonstrations throughout the day.
Closing the programme, Professor David Bending (University of Birmingham) delivered a compelling keynote on the use of fluorescent timer reporter proteins to uncover how immune checkpoints function, highlighting new possibilities for understanding and manipulating immune regulation.
Early career researchers again played a central role in the programme, with awards recognising standout oral and poster presentations, reflecting the calibre and breadth of work on show from PhD students, postdocs and technicians. Our winners this year were:
Oral presentation –
1st Sofina Iqra – Aston University
2nd Emma Jennings – University of Warwick
3rd Annabelle Bennett – University of Warwick
Poster presentation –
1st Asma Omran – University of Birmingham
2nd Anni Georghiou – University of Birmingham
3rd Sareena Sund – ChromaTwist
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Featured quote (ECR/judge):
“The feedback and visibility you get here are invaluable — it’s a supportive environment that still pushes for excellence.” — [Insert name/role]
Brochure launch
Reflecting the maturity and growth of the partnership, a new Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry brochure was launched at the conference. It sets out the group’s collective capabilities, facilities across partner universities, and case studies demonstrating impact across immunology, infection, plant science, biotechnology and environmental research. Printed copies were available for delegates, with a digital version available to download here.
Professor David Cousins, Head of School of Medical Sciences, University of Leicester, and Flow Cytometry Group Committee member said: “The brochure captures how far this network has come — a single, practical guide to the people, platforms and case studies that make the Midlands a UK leader in flow cytometry.”
Alongside the conference, the Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Group continues to underpin year-round capability across the region — from free introductory training and shared access to state-of-the-art equipment, to a vibrant and practical community that helps researchers adopt emerging techniques quickly and confidently.
Thanks to our community and supporters
Midlands Innovation thanks Bio-Rad, Beckman Coulter, Bruker, Caltag, Dotmatics OMIQ, Cytek, Miltenyi Biotec, Sony, Thermofisher Scientific and Waters Biosciences for supporting this year’s conference, and the Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Group Committee for shaping the programme. We also acknowledge colleagues from Aston, Birmingham, Cranfield, Keele, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham, Northampton and Warwick, whose facilities and expertise sustain this community throughout the year.
