Dr Michaela Reiterová shares the story behind the successful EuroFlow international workshop
From 9 to 11 February 2026, European experts in cytometry and leukaemia diagnostics gathered in Prague to offer their expertise at the EuroFlow Winter Course. Held in the historic Karolinum, the programme centred on haematology case studies that 40 clinical cytometrists were able to work through with support from specialists. As a large international event, it also showcases Prague through science and helps promote a positive image of the Czech Republic abroad. At the heart of the organisation — for the second year running — stood Dr Michaela Reiterová (Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology — CLIP). We asked her about the behind‑the‑scenes preparations and future plans.
You eventually accepted forty participants. What was the level of interest? Could you have trained all applicants?
Around eighty people applied. I believe we could have managed it. We were even considering it for budget reasons, although it would have meant giving up the beautiful Karolinum venue. Next year, we hope to expand the capacity to sixty participants.
Where does such strong interest come from?
EuroFlow is highly successful in clinical diagnostics, and this year — just like last year — we hosted leading experts, such as multiple myeloma specialist Juan Flores Montero from Salamanca. There are not many similar courses or software tools available globally, so even those who do not routinely measure the exact panels developed by the consortium attend — they want to hear the experts.
2nd EuroFlow Winter Course on MRD – Prague
- Date: 9–11 February 2026, Karolinum
- Focus: B‑ and T‑lymphoblastic leukaemia, multiple myeloma, and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
- Organising team: 8 lecturers, 1 consortium member for software and technical support (virtual machines), 2 organisers (catering, communication, venue logistics), 2 consortium organisers (concept, university links)
- Participants: 40
Photographs by Veronika Vachule Nehasilová
How did the event come to be held in Prague?
Hands‑on practical courses had long been missing from the consortium’s activities, and we repeatedly receive requests for internships in our laboratory. So I proposed a course focused on measuring MRD in the most common types of childhood leukaemia — an area we have worked on for many years and where flow cytometry plays a crucial role. And Prague is very attractive to participants.
Is it possible to teach cytometry online?
Cytometry has many dimensions. You can learn to operate the software and basic strategies, but you cannot learn high‑quality analysis and interpretation online. You need to see real examples — patient samples — learn to distinguish artefacts, understand what is reliable and what is not, and how to interpret findings. Watching an expert analyse data and being able to discuss it with them is invaluable.
Measurable residual disease (MRD) — a term used in oncology referring to a very small number of cancer cells that remain in the body during or after treatment. MRD can only be detected using highly sensitive laboratory methods capable of identifying a single malignant cell among 100,000 to one million normal cells.
Consortium — originally an ad‑hoc association of companies or banks for a specific project. The term later came to be used for partnerships between research institutes, universities, and non‑profit organisations, as complex scientific projects increasingly required shared technologies, data, know‑how, harmonised methods, and joint quality control.
EuroFlow is a consortium founded in 2005 as an EU‑funded project. It currently unites 19 diagnostic research groups from 11 European countries, complementing one another’s expertise in flow cytometry and immunophenotyping of leukaemias.
How did the preparations unfold?
We spent almost a full year preparing the first course. The second year already had a clear framework of topics and lecturers, so we managed it a few months faster. The crucial period is one to one and a half months beforehand: preparing real analyses, virtual machines, logistics, and travel arrangements for the experts. The budget is drafted roughly three months in advance, but the final figures for some items often arrive at the last moment.
What tends to be the most challenging part?
The fact that information comes in gradually and not always when you need it: arrival and departure details of participants, catering specifics, small technical equipment. And meanwhile you must finalise the budget and send instructions. The biggest stress is keeping track of everything still missing, everything that needs fine‑tuning. Preparing the virtual machines is also demanding: each case and disease for analysis, the data, software, uploading, checking access. Even the day before the course — although we try to prevent this — you may discover a technical issue, a controversy, or find that another sample would be more suitable. Then you have to adjust the content of all forty virtual machines.
And the pleasant parts?
When everything comes together: the lectures, the practical sessions, and the social programme, such as the walk through Prague. Suddenly it all becomes real, the participants are happy, and shared experiences and insights start to form.
Do you base the programme on trends or on community demand?
Primarily on our own expertise and publications — we want to provide state‑of‑the‑art content! (smiles) We also gather feedback through a survey: whether participants would prefer more or less time for the practical sessions, whether anything was missing, and so on.
Do you know how the course influenced participants’ practice?
We could conduct a follow‑up survey — that is actually a good idea. Unfortunately, implementing EuroFlow procedures often does not depend solely on the participants. The determining factors are the capabilities of their institutions: what instruments they use and which reagents or software they can access.
How are the courses funded?
We aim for them to be self‑sufficient. The registration fee should cover the lecturers’ costs, catering, venue, and technical equipment. One advantage of Prague — besides its inherent beauty — is the lower cost compared with other capitals. In London or Paris, the course would likely be significantly more expensive. For now, courses are held only in cities where one of the consortium groups is based — local organisers know the environment, and part of the team does not need to travel.
What would you like participants to take away?
The chance to compare their analytical approach with others and to meet the people who developed the tests. And also a sense that Prague is a place of top‑level diagnostics — a small form of cultural export.
What did you do after the course finished?
I went to training — I play beach volleyball. But usually the work becomes enjoyable already on the first day, once I see that everything is running smoothly. Then I can listen to colleagues and learn, for example, about diseases in adult patients. I enjoy my work, and having the chance to hear experts in the field is a great benefit.
And next time?
The course will take place in Prague at least once more. We will add a “pre‑course” — a session where participants learn to use our software in advance so that we do not lose time during the scientific part. I am looking forward to it — it will be a pleasant informal start to the programme.
Recommended
More:
In teaching, the greatest sin is to be boring. Good teaching sparks interest and questions
says Dr Šárka Tomová, head of the Centre for Development of Communication and Pedagogical Competences
Personalised gene therapy is no longer science fiction – it’s reality
Dr Karolina Škvárová Kramarzová from CLIP on the future of gene editing and the hope it brings to many for whom medicine has so far offered no help.
I didn’t just fall out of the sky. I built on the work of my teachers and predecessors
Conversation with Professor Jan Starý about the future of childhood leukaemia treatment and the freedom that comes with stepping out of the spotlight.
Pain can only be treated with a holistic approach
Insights from Professor Giustino Varrassi, a featured international speaker at the First International Meeting on Pain Psychology in Medicine.
Hearing damage can be irreversible before you even notice it, says leading tinnitus expert Prof. Berthold Langguth
A leading researcher in neuropsychiatry and tinnitus at the University of Regensburg is due to deliver a lecture at the Tinnitus Symposium on 14 November 2025. An interview.
