What Is the Bioimage Analysis Bootcamp?
The Bioimage Analysis Bootcamp, established and organized by the Cimini Lab at the Broad Institute, is an intensive, week-long training designed to help biologists and researchers strengthen their image analysis skills. The course focuses on decision-making principles in bioimage analysis — such as how to choose the right tools, assess data quality, and determine when an analysis is “good enough.”
Participants gain a broad introduction to the rapidly evolving landscape of open-source image analysis software for light microscopy. Through lectures, demonstrations, and guided hands-on exercises, attendees learn directly from experts with deep connections to the global bioimage analysis community and develop practical strategies for applying these lessons within their own research environments.
What Do Participants Learn?
Participants gain practical, hands-on experience with several widely used, free, and open-source tools for bioimage analysis. The training includes:
Manual annotation and data labeling
Classical image segmentation approaches
Retraining deep learning models
Selecting appropriate tools for different biological questions
Attendees receive personalized guidance from expert image analysts who share best practices, demonstrate real-world applications, and help participants integrate these approaches into their own research groups or institutions.
Who Should Attend This Bootcamp?
The Bioimage Analysis Bootcamp is designed for biologists and researchers experienced in light microscopy who want to gain confidence in image analysis decision-making. It also benefits scientists, data analysts, and technical professionals interested in expanding their knowledge of open-source image analysis tools and applying them to biological data.
Participants come from a range of scientific and technical backgrounds and share a common goal of integrating quantitative image analysis into their research.
Note: All attendees are strongly encouraged to complete the Microtutor Course in Fluorescence Microscopy before the bootcamp.
What Makes This Bootcamp Stand Out?
The Bioimage Analysis Bootcamp brings together a diverse community of researchers eager to grow their skills and confidence in bioimage analysis. Participants highlight the supportive teaching environment, the depth of the material, and the hands-on opportunity to apply what they’ve learned to their own data.
“I personally learned so many things—some of which I honestly thought were beyond my learning curve.”
— Postdoctoral attendee
“I unironically had no qualms or issues/notes with the course; it was really interesting and kept my focus the whole week.”
— Anonymous attendee"Prior to taking the course, I dreaded image analysis simply because I was not sure what tool/program are appropriate to use as there is an overwhelming amount of information online. After this 1-week bootcamp, I feel confident in my ability to select the right tool for my purpose, and feel excited to begin analyzing my own results. This course has definitely made a positive impact in my research career."
— Anonymous attendee
We’re excited to bring this same energy, expertise, and collaborative spirit to the 2026 Bioimage Analysis Bootcamp.
When and Where Is Our Next Bootcamp?
Our next Bioimage Analysis Bootcamp takes place June 1-5, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day.
The course is held in person at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts.**
*This training is in-person only, allowing participants to fully engage in hands-on exercises, interactive sessions, and live discussions with expert instructors.
*Application Deadline: April 10, 2026
Our subsequent bootcamp will likely be held in late fall 2026; please let us know if you would like us to contact you when application opens (approximately summer).
For additional questions about registration, logistics, or course content, contact us at imagingadmin@broadinstitute.org