Matrix Biology – Physiology and Function of Extracellular Matrix
Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences at University of Copenhagen
This course is free of charge for PhD students at Danish universities (except Copenhagen Business School), and for PhD Students from NorDoc member faculties. All other participants must pay the course fee.
Anyone can apply for the course, but if you are not a PhD student at a Danish university, you will be placed on the waiting list until enrollment deadline. This also applies to PhD students from NorDoc member faculties. After the enrollment deadline, available seats will be allocated to applicants on the waiting list.
Learning objectives
A student who has met the objectives of the course will be able to:
1. Gain insight into the basics of matrix biology and relate this to their own field of research
2. Gain appreciation for novel mechanisms of extracellular matrix regulation (immune response, circadian clock)
3. Understand analytical methods used in matrix biology and learn about cutting edge techniques
4. Effectively present their own work and discuss the work of others
5. Understand the importance of matrix composition, organisation and modification for tissue specific function
Content
The role of the extracellular matrix in physiological, pathophysiological and pathological situations will be the main focus, and specifically the formation of collagen-rich and other matrix-rich tissues, and the coupling between matrix structure and function in health and diseases will be taught. The newest matrix research and technical approaches will be reported from areas like fibrosis, vasculature, infection, cancer and musculoskeletal disorders.
New this year: Students will have the chance to submit a research question that requires microscopy to answer. Clara Prats will select 2–3 projects for bespoke experimental planning, which she will present and discuss during her workshop. This is a fantastic opportunity to refine your imaging approach with expert guidance.
Participants
No previous knowledge of matrix Biology is required. The course covers the basic background and key themes of matrix biology in the context of the latest research in cancer, circadian biology, wound healing as well as tissue development. All participants will have the opportunity to present and discuss their PhD projects, and to think creatively about what they have learn in a group work setting.
Relevance to graduate programmes
The course is relevant to PhD students from the following graduate programmes at the Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences, UCPH:
Basic and Clinical Research in Musculoskeletal Sciences
Molecular Mechanisms of Disease
Cellular and Genetic Medicine
Language
English
Form
Lectures, group work, discussion, oral presentations
Course director
Chloé Yeung, Dr, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, ching-yan.chloe.yeung@regionh.dk
Teachers
Confirmed course teachers:
Douglas Dyer, Dr, University of Manchester, UK
Joan Chang, Dr, University of Manchester, UK
René Svensson, Associate Prof., DTU and Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen
Michael Davies, Prof., KU
Michael Rand, Dr, Rigshospitalet
Erwin Schoof, Associate Prof., DTU
Lise Berg, Associate Prof., KU
Peter Schjerling, Dr, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen
Clara Prats, Associate Prof., KU
Chloé Yeung, Dr, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen
Dates
5. – 7. November 2025
Course location
Bispebjerg Hospital
Registration
Please register before 24 September 2025
Expected frequency
1 per year
Seats to PhD students from other Danish universities will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and according to the applicable rules. Applications from other participants will be considered after the last day of enrolment.
Note: All applicants are asked to submit invoice details in case of no-show, late cancellation or obligation to pay the course fee (typically non-PhD students). If you are a PhD student, your participation in the course must be in agreement with your principal supervisor.