Registration is open for attending the "Hands-on training to use Design expert® (StatEase®) software for experiments design and optimization". The course is organized by the Madeira Chemistry Research Centre (CQM) and will be held by Jaison Jeevanandam (PhD), under the coordination of João Rodrigues (PhD).
Abstract
An experiment is a scientific procedure to test a hypothesis, discovery or demonstrate a known fact. Various types of experiments are available to obtain results and prove hypotheses. However, randomized experiments, in which various parameters affect the result, lead to loss of resources, chemicals, time, and inaccurate results, which are important aspects to consider in any laboratory. Thus, design of experiments is highly recommended to plan experiments. In general, design of experiments (DoE) is defined as a set of procedures to investigate a relationship between variables.
Further, DoE helps in the screening and optimization of process variables. Nevertheless, DoE involves several complex mathematical equations, which require strong mathematical and statistical knowledge to derive formulas and apply them for designing a list of experiments to optimize process variables. Thus, computational approaches via exclusive software are gaining attention among researchers for designing experiments.
There are numerous DoE software, such as Minitab®, ELLISAT, JMP® academic, QbD-DoE and Design expert®. Among these software, Design expert® is one of the most user-friendly (for those who are not experts in statistics) software, offering ability to screen, characterize, and optimize, and parameter designs, that are widely used in chemical engineering and pharmaceutical industries. Thus, this course will focus on the type of experiments, quality of data from experiments, concepts, types and procedures of experimental design, software for designing experiments, their advantages and limitations, and why Design expert® is a favorite in industrial applications. In addition, the software interface will be explored entirely during the course with hands-on experience in the optimization of parameters using the software, along with a few examples.
Dr. Jaison Jeevanandam Profile
Dr. Jaison Jeevanandam is a MERIT fellow (co-funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and European Union) and R3 researcher in Experimental Neurobiology division, Preclinical Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Czech Republic. Previously, he worked as a senior researcher in CQM, University of Madeira, Portugal (2020-2023). Dr. Jaison Jeevanandam obtained his Ph.D. in the Department of chemical engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science from Curtin University, Malaysia and Australia. His current research focuses on the application of bionanotechnology and artificial intelligence in the fabrication of nanoformulation to deliver drugs for the treatment of several diseases, especially diabetes and its related complications in brain. Till date, Dr. Jaison has authored about 2 monographs, 7 edited books, 66 book chapters and 71 journal articles. He has been listed under Top 2% of highly cited scientists in the world by Stanford University, USA, consequently for 3 years (2021-2023) with H-index of 36.
COURSE PLAN
Day 1: 29/09/2025 – 09h00-12h30
- Theoretical aspects on types of design of experiments (DoE)
- Installation of software in personal laptops and view interface
- Explanation of software interface (Part 1)
- Explanation of software interface (Part 2) and Q&A session
Day 2: 30/09/2025 – 09h00-12h30
- Theoretical aspects of response surface methodology of optimization (Central composite) with software interface
- Theoretical aspects of response surface methodology of optimization (Box-Behnken approach) with software interface
- Explanation of other response surface methodology options in the software interface (Part 1)
- Explanation of other response surface methodology options in the software interface (Part 2) and Q&A session
Day 3: 01/10/2025 – 09h00-12h30
- Theoretical aspects of designing experiments using Design Expert® software
- Theoretical aspects of designing experiments using Design Expert® software with example
- Quiz and general factorial example in software (Part 1)
- General factorial example in software (Part 2) and Q&A session
Day 4: 02/10/2025 – 09h00-12h30
- Hands-on training to use software (Part 1; 2-level factorial method)
- Hands-on training to use software (Part 2; 2-level factorial method)
- Hands-on training to use software (Part 1; Response surface methodology – Box Behnken approach)
- Hands-on training to use software (Part 2; Response surface methodology – Box Behnken approach) and Q&A session
Day 5: 03/10/2025 – 09h00-12h30
- Tips and tricks to use Design Expert®
- Quiz, final remarks, summary and Q&A
Note:
1. All participants must download QR code scanner or Slido app to join the interactive sessions
2. The software will be provided to the audience using wetransfer before the workshop via email. Also, the software will be available via QR code or a pen-drive during the workshop.
3. The interactive section will be open on all the 5 days. If the participants have any queries, they can ask using the app or the interactive section (visible to all the participants) which will be answered the next day during the workshop session.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Dates: 29th of September to 03rd of October 2025
Duration: 16 hours [3.5 Hours/day with break for 15-20 min in between]
Venue: University of Madeira, Room 0.57
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Registration until 23rd September 2025 Fees: Members of CQM - exempt of payment Students and researchers of UMa - 30,00 EUR Other participants - 50,00 EUR. |
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Registration form |
We are pleased to announce the Essential Electrochemistry Course for Biochemists, a focused and practical mini-course designed to introduce biochemistry students to the fundamental principles and applications of electrochemistry in the life sciences, to be held from 14-18 July 2025 at the University of Madeira.
Over the course of five sessions (10 hours of room classes + 2 hours in laboratory), participants will explore key electrochemical concepts and techniques that are increasingly relevant in modern biochemical research. The course will cover the following topics:
1. Essential Concepts of Electrochemistry.
2. Dynamic Electrochemical Techniques.
3. Electrochemical Biosensors.
4. Applications and Experimental Demonstration.
Due to the practical nature of the course and the lab component, participation is limited to 15 students.
Organization: Department of Chemistry and CQM.
We are pleased to announce the upcoming seminar titled "A critical evaluation of the approaches to targeted protein degradation for drug discovery and development: PROTAC versus Molecular glue degraders" presented by Serge Mignani, PhD, from CQM and the Centre d’Études et de Recherche sur le Médicament de Normandie & Argobio Studio, Paris (France). This seminar will take place on the 09th and 11th of June 2025 at the conference room 0.57, Campus of Penteada, University of Madeira, starting at 15:00 on both days.
Space is limited, so please be sure to complete your registration as soon as possible.
Abstract:
Protein degradation is the process by which proteins are broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids. Protein degraders are molecules that facilitate or enhance this process. Targeted protein degradation (TPD) was discovered twenty years ago through PROTAC technology and is now developing rapidly, thanks to the involvement of scientists from industry and academia. PROTAC chimeras are heterobifunctional molecules that can simultaneously link a protein to degradation and an E3 ubiquitin ligase. It has been demonstrated that PROTACs can degrade proteins that were previously considered "undruggable". Two PROTACs are currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of breast (ARV471) and prostate (ARV110) cancers. Proteasome-induced protein degradation is also induced by other types of molecules, such as molecular glues. A molecular glue is a proximity-inducible small molecule that can exert precise temporal control over various biological processes, including signal transduction, transcription, chromatin regulation, and the folding, localization, and degradation of proteins. As a chemical inducer of proximity, molecular glue can promote the dimerization or colocalization of two proteins through the formation of ternary complexes, leading to distinct biological and pharmacological functions.
Molecular glue degraders offer advantages in terms of drug-like properties and potential for central nervous system (CNS) indications, while PROTACs allow for rational design and broad targeting potential. Overcoming the challenges associated with each approach, such as the serendipitous discovery of molecular glue degraders and the drug-like properties of PROTACs, will be crucial for their successful clinical application.
As the field of TPD continues to evolve, we can expect to see the development of even more effective approaches.
Molecular glue and PROTAC strategies offer new avenues for drug development in the field of targeted protein degradation. Both molecular glue degraders and PROTACs show great promise as drugs.
In this presentation, we will analyze the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of each type of degrading molecule. We will also discuss the significant interest in identifying new drug targets that are difficult to access. Designing degraders, PROTAC is challenging because slight alterations to their structure can affect the formation of the ternary complex and subsequent degradation. We will also discuss this important aspect.
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Registration until 08th June 2025. |
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Registration form [Closed!] Limited seats available |
It is open an international selection tender procedure for a position in the scientific researcher career, in the category of assistant researcher, employment contract in public functions for an indefinite period of time, for the scientific field of Food Chemistry, at the Madeira Chemistry Research Centre, University of Madeira (announced at Diário da República, Serie II, nº 97, 21/05/2025, Aviso nº 12945/2025/2).
Announcement:
- English
- Português
Application deadline 07th July 2025.
Full information here.