Frequently Asked Questions
About the course
1. What is the Placental Biology Course?
The Placental Biology Course is an online course organised by the Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research at the University of Cambridge. Aimed at students, post-docs, established researchers, medical & veterinary healthcare professionals and industry colleagues interested in cutting-edge placental biology and research.
2. Who is the course aimed at?
The course is suitable for:
- PhD students and other postgraduate researchers
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Established academics and group leaders
- Medical and veterinary healthcare professionals
- Researchers working in industry
- Anyone with an academic or professional interest in placental biology.
3. Do I need to be a specialist in placental biology to attend?
The course covers a broad range of topics in placental biology and related research. It is relevant to people at different career stages and from a range of scientific and clinical backgrounds. Participants should have an interest in the subject and relevant scientific or professional background.
4. What topics will be covered?
The course covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Human and mouse placental development and metabolism
- Cell lineage segregation
- Organoids and stem cell embryo models
- Materno-fetal interactions
- Immunology and transport
- Angiogenesis and explant cultures
- Clinical study design and clinical perspectives
- Epigenetic mechanisms and genome editing
- Grant and fellowship writing.
5. Who teaches on the course?
Teaching is delivered by leading investigators and experts working at the forefront of placental biology and related research fields.
Course format and participation
6. Is the course online or in person?
The course for 2027 will be delivered entirely online, allowing participants to join from anywhere in the world.
7. How is the course delivered?
Most of the teaching consists of pre-recorded lectures and practical sessions so participants can view them in their own time.
These are complemented by daily live question-and-answer sessions with speakers, providing opportunities to discuss the material and ask questions of the lecturers.
8. When will I be able to access all the course materials?
Course content will be opened approximately 1 week ahead of the official course start date. And all course materials will remain accessible for at least 1 month after the course ends.
Whilst there is a scheduled week during which we will host the live Q&As, all of the course content can be viewed over a 5 week period.
9. Do I need to attend live sessions?
Whilst it would be useful for all participants to join the live sessions we appreciate this isn’t always possible with schedules and time zones. Therefore, all the live Q&As are recorded and added to the course portal for later viewing.
10. Will I be able to ask questions and interact with speakers?
Yes. The daily live Q&A sessions provide opportunities to ask questions and engage directly with course lecturers, and we encourage participants to do so to get the most out of the course. Additionally, the Teams channel will allow you introduce yourself, network and ask questions. Lecturers can also be contacted directly with questions.
11. Will I receive a certificate of attendance or completion?
Certificates of participation will be available on request, and subject to the participant having interacted with the course materials. All requests for a certificate will be checked and verified. This will include interaction with the courses pre-recorded lectures, attending live Q&As and interacting with the virtual poster presentations.
12. What equipment or software will I need?
You will need a reliable internet connection and a computer or laptop with audio capabilities. All course materials will be located on a Moodle platform and login details for this will be provided 1 week before the course officially starts.
A Teams channel will also be operated through which the daily Q&As will be scheduled. All participants will be added to this Teams channel.
Presenting your research and networking
13. Can I present my own research during the course?
Yes. Participants have the opportunity to submit abstracts for consideration for flash talks or virtual poster presentations. This is a great opportunity to share your research with an international audience interested in placental biology.
14. How do I submit an abstract?
Abstract submission details, including the submission deadline and formatting requirements, will be published on the course website.
15. Are there opportunities to network with other participants?
Yes. The teams channel and Moodle both offer opportunities to interact with other course participants.
16. What are the Fellowship Workshops?
There are two workshops on offer which will be held during the week of the course, tailored to career stage and facilitated by Loke CTR members. Each of these are hosted on Teams.
- Early/mid career fellowship application workshop
- Junior fellowship application workshop
These interactive sessions will give participants the knowledge and skills to apply for a fellowship so they are most competitive and increase their chance of attaining one. Particularly aimed at those who are keen on an academic research career path.
Registration and fees
17. How do I register for the course?
Registration information and the relevant booking link will be available on the Placental Biology Course website. For now, you can register your interest to hear when you can sign up first.
Please register interest for the 2027 course
18. How much does the course cost?
Course fees are dependent on your professional category. The 2026 fees were:
- Students: £125
- Postdoctoral researchers: £150
- Medical and veterinary healthcare professionals and group leaders: £300
- Industry colleagues: £500
Fees for the next course will be confirmed when registration opens.
19. Are there any bursaries available?
Yes, there will be bursary places available. These pages will provide details of how to apply for one.
20. Can my institution or employer pay for my registration?
Yes. Participants can arrange for their institution or employer to cover the registration fee. Please contact the course organisers if you require an invoice or supporting documentation.
Technical support and further information
21. What if I experience technical difficulties during the course?
If you experience difficulties accessing the course materials or participating in live sessions, please contact the course organisers for assistance.
22. What time zone will the live sessions follow?
Live session timings will be published in the course programme, all will be UK BST. As the course attracts an international audience, please check the timings carefully and account for any time differences in your location.
23. Who should I contact if I have further questions?
For enquiries about the Placental Biology Course, registration or participation, please contact: placentalbiologycourse@pdn.cam.ac.uk