Introduction to Illumina DNA library preparation
This 3 day workshop will provide hands-on training for Illumina DNA library preparation to understand the sequencing process, reduce project costs, and gain valuable skills.
Speakers
Event series
Cost
Free! But registration essential.
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RegisterDescription
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become an essential tool across genetics, genomics, ecology, microbiology, agriculture, and biomedical research. Whether you're identifying genetic variants, sequencing microbial communities, assembling genomes, or analysing targeted regions, high-quality Illumina libraries are the foundation of reliable sequencing data.
Despite being one of the most widely used molecular techniques, DNA library preparation is often outsourced, leaving many researchers with little understanding of the process or the confidence to perform it themselves. In reality, library preparation is more accessible than many people expect, and developing this skill can significantly reduce project costs while providing greater flexibility for experimental design and troubleshooting.
This hands-on workshop will introduce participants to the principles of Illumina DNA library preparation for short-read sequencing before guiding them through the complete laboratory workflow. Participants will gain practical experience with the key steps involved in library construction, quality control, and best laboratory practices, while also learning how library preparation influences sequencing performance and downstream analyses.
The workshop is designed for students and early career researchers with basic molecular biology laboratory experience who want to build practical genomics skills that can be immediately applied to their own research projects. If required, and based on registration responses, we will also offer an optional introductory laboratory session the day before the workshop to cover essential molecular biology techniques.
Workshop aims
- Understand the principles behind Illumina short-read sequencing and DNA library preparation.
- Learn the complete workflow for preparing high-quality sequencing libraries.
- Gain hands-on experience with library preparation and quality control.
- Understand how library quality affects sequencing success and downstream analyses.
- Build the confidence to perform library preparation in your own laboratory.
Target audience: Honours, Masters and PhD students, early career researchers, and laboratory staff interested in developing practical genomics skills for applications including whole-genome sequencing, population genomics, microbial genomics, targeted sequencing, environmental DNA, and other Illumina-based sequencing projects.
Basic molecular lab experience is expected. However if needed (based on information provided during registration), we will host a short session the day before the workshop to run through some general lab techniques.
Schedule
Day 1 (9am, Tues 8th Sept)
- Introduction
- Sonicate
- Run gel
- Bead size selection
- re-Qubit
Day 2 (9am, Wed 9th Sept)
- End repair
- Adapter ligation
- Bead clean
- PCR
- Bead clean
Day 3 (9am, Thur 10th Sept)
- GX
- Discussion: Hybe and other downstream tweeks before sequencing and data analysis
* please note that meal breaks and session end times will depend on lab work schedule and progress.
Location
Ecogenomics and Bioinformatics Lab (EBL), RN Robertson Building, Research School of Biology, Australian National University.
During breaks, food and drink can be purchased from the nearby Little Pickle cafe or Kambri's cafes and restaurants. If you would like to bring your own, there is a kitchenette with fridge and microwave next to the EBL.
Upcoming events in this series
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An exploratory workshop for researchers interested in generating and utilising historical datasets.
A hands-on workshop focused on the application of whole-genome population genomics to monitoring and managing invasive and endangered populations.