BioAFM Workshop
BioAFM Workshop
September 30 - October 1, 2026 | George Mason University, Manassas, VA

Nanoscale Mechanical Characterization on Soft and Biological Materials

A free two-day BioAFM workshop co-hosted by the Institute for Advanced Biomedical Research (IABR) at George Mason University with Bruker
September 30 - October 1, 2026 | George Mason University, Manassas, VA

Explore New Advances and Research Trends

Join us for a BioAFM-focused workshop on Nanoscale Mechanical Characterization on Soft and Biological Materials, co-hosted with the Institute for Advanced Biomedical Research (IABR) at George Mason University. The event on September 30 and October 1 is designed for researchers, students, and facility users interested in biological and soft-matter AFM applications.

Whether you are an experienced AFM user or just beginning to explore the technique, this session will highlight the latest advances in BioAFM technology, emerging research trends, and practical approaches for getting better data from biological samples.

The sessions will include live, user-driven Q&A and case-based discussions with Bruker experts. Bring your questions and learn best practices for planning experiments, improving reproducibility, and getting more reliable data.

Free hands-on demonstrations will also be performed with Bruker’s NanoWizard V BioAFM. Lunch will be provided.


Workshop highlights:

  • Latest BioAFM Advances
    New modes, instrumentation updates, and workflows for biological samples     
  • Research Applications
    Examples spanning large area mapping, high-resolution correlative imaging with AFM, automated structural and nanomechanical analysis in tissues, life/fixed cells and biomolecules
  • Best Practices 
    Probe selection, sample preparation, liquid imaging, force spectroscopy, and mechanical mapping
  • Q&A and Troubleshooting
    Common artifacts, data interpretation, reproducibility, and user-submitted questions


Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot! 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jianjun Yao, juanjun.yao@bruker.com .



When:
Sept 30 - Oct 1, 9:30AM - 4:00PM EDT

Where: Institute for Advanced Biomedical Research (IABR) - George Mason University
Conference Room 1004, Science and Technology Campus, 10920 George Mason Circle
Manassas, VA 20110



Workshop Organizers:


Sezin Sayin, Ph. D
Director of Nanofabrication Facility
Institute for Biohealth Innovation
ssayin@gmu.edu

Jianjun Yao
Sales Account Manager for Mid Atlantic, Bruker
jianjun.yao@bruker.com

Meet our Experts

Yi Wei, Ph.D., Applications Scientist, Bruker

Yi Wei holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Florida, where he conducted research associated with biofouling and biomimicry.

Agenda — Wednesday, September 30

TimeSessionSpeaker
9:30AMIntroduction 
9:40AMApplication of Large Area Mapping and High-Resolution Correlative Imaging with AFM for Automated Structural
and Nanomechanical Analysis in Tissues, Cells, Biomolecules,and Materials Research
Yi Wei, Bruker
11:00AMGeneral Introduction on NanoWizard V BioAFM 
12:00PMLunch (provided by Bruker) 
1:00PMHands-On Sessions 
4:00PMEnd of Day 1 

Agenda — Thursday, October 1

TimeSession 
9:00AMHands-On Sessions 
12:00PMLunch (provided by Bruker) 
1:00PMHands-On Sessions 
4:00PMEnd of Event 

Register to Secure Your Spot