We recently held a workshop aimed at technicians, students and researchers who already use or are interested in cryotechnical techniques. The main objective of this event was to enhance the knowledge and skills of the participants, promoting a deep understanding of the various applications, benefits and innovations in this growing field.

During the training, we covered four essential techniques, each presented by a renowned expert:

• Plunge Freezing – Beatriz Borges, from LNNano, Campinas, explained the fundamentals and applications of this technique, which allows the rapid preservation of biological samples.
• High Pressure Freezing – Roland Fleck, from King’s College, London, presented the advantages of high pressure freezing, an approach that significantly improves the quality of sample preservation for microscopic analysis.
• Cryoultramicrotomy – Cristiano di Benedetto, from the University of Copenhagen, detailed the process of ultrathin sectioning of frozen samples, a crucial technique for observation at the cellular level.
• Cryomicroscopy – Ingrid Augusto, from UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, presented the principles of cryomicroscopy, a technique that combines cryopreservation with electronic visualization, allowing for detailed analysis of cellular structures.

The workshop was structured in two distinct parts to meet different audiences and needs.

• Theoretical Part: On December 2, 2024, we had a theoretical session open to the public, which was attended by 101 registered participants. This stage focused on providing a solid foundation on cryotechniques, addressing essential theoretical concepts and allowing participants from different areas to get involved and learn.
• Practical Part (Hands-On): Between December 3 and 6, 2024, we held the practical part of the workshop at the microscopy center. This phase was exclusive to 16 researchers, who came from different states of Brazil and Uruguay. During these hands-on sessions, participants were able to apply the knowledge acquired in the theoretical part, using advanced equipment and techniques under the guidance of experts. This hands-on experience was essential to truly enhance the researchers’ skills in using cryotechniques in their research.

This training not only provided a valuable update on cryotechniques, but also fostered enriching discussions among participants, helping to foster innovation and collaborative research in this area. We would like to thank all the participants and speakers who contributed to the success of this event.