Matrix Biology: Physiology, Disease and Experimental Approaches
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 emerging mechanisms regulating extracellular matrix biology in health and disease.
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
This course introduces the biology of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its central role in tissue function, adaptation and disease. Students will explore how collagen-rich and other matrix-rich tissues are formed, organised and remodelled, and how matrix structure determines tissue mechanics and function across organs.
Through lectures and workshops led by international experts, the course highlights emerging concepts in ECM regulation in health and disease, including fibrosis, cancer, vascular biology, infection and musculoskeletal disorders. A strong emphasis is placed on experimental approaches used to study the matrix, including microscopy, matrix mechanics, proteomics and in vitro modelling.
Students will present their own research, engage in group discussions and gain insight into how modern technologies are advancing matrix biology.
Course timings are:
Wednesday 4th November 8:45 - 16:00
Thursday 5th November 8:50 - 15:45
Friday 6th November 9:00 - 15:45
Coffee, water, snacks (croissants, fruit and cake) and lunch are provided on all three days.
Participants
No prior knowledge of matrix biology is required. The course is aimed at PhD students and early-career researchers interested in extracellular matrix biology across tissues and diseases. It introduces key concepts in ECM biology alongside modern experimental approaches used to study matrix structure, mechanics and composition. Participants are expected to actively engage in the course by presenting
their own PhD projects, contributing to discussions and participating in group work.
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, oral presentations
Course director
Chloé Yeung, Dr, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital, ching-yan.chloe.yeung@regionh.dk
Teachers
Douglas Dyer, Dr, University of Manchester, UK
Joan Chang, Dr, University of Manchester, UK
Rene Svensson, Associate Professor, Technical University of Denmark
Michael Davies, Professor, University of Copenhagen
Kasper Mygind, Dr, University of Copenhagen
Erwin Schoof, Associate Professor, Technical University of Denmark
Thomas Braunstein, Core Facility for Integrated BioImaging Manager, University of Copenhagen
Kevin Baker, Dr, University of Cork, Ireland
Peter Schjerling, Dr, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen
Michael Rand, Dr, Rigshospitalet
Chloé Yeung, Dr, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen
Dates
4-6 November 2026
Course location
Bispebjerg Hospital
Registration
Please register before 5 October 2026
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.