Building capacity in marine research: CytoSense training in the Netherlands

Delegates from the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), the Shallow Marine and Coastal Research Infrastructure (SMCRI), and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) attended specialised CytoSense Flow Cytometer training at CytoBuoy B.V. in Woerden, the Netherlands, from 29 September to 2 October 2026. The training supports efforts to strengthen local capacity to operate and use advanced research equipment for marine and coastal science in South Africa.

Caption: Delegates at Cytobouy head offices in the Netherlands

The CytoSense Flow Cytometer is a specialised instrument used to characterise and quantify phytoplankton and other suspended particles in water samples. It uses laser-induced red and orange light scatter and fluorescence to measure the properties of individual particles, providing valuable information for studying phytoplankton communities. The instrument has applications in marine and oceanographic research and can be used in a laboratory or on a moving research vessel. Its capabilities offer opportunities to support research into marine ecosystems and contribute to a better understanding of biological processes in the ocean.

Practical Training and Technical Skills Development

The four-day training programme combined theoretical instruction with hands-on practical sessions covering instrument operation, optical alignment, sample acquisition, data quality assessment, troubleshooting, maintenance and storage procedures. Participants also received training in the associated software programmes, including CytoUSB for instrument control and data acquisition, CytoClus for data analysis, and EasyClus for additional data analysis. These skills will enable trained personnel to operate and maintain the instrument, assess data quality, and process and analyse flow cytometry datasets more independently. Developing this expertise locally will reduce reliance on international technical support for routine operation and troubleshooting, while supporting the collection of reliable scientific data.

Supporting Collaborative Research in South Africa

The CytoSense forms part of the research infrastructure available through SAPRI and its partner institutions. Importantly, the equipment will be available for loan to research institutions at no cost, creating opportunities for researchers to access this specialised technology for relevant research projects. By making the instrument accessible to the wider research community, SAPRI aims to support collaborative research and expand opportunities for marine and coastal scientists to incorporate flow cytometry into their work. The training also strengthens technical capacity across participating institutions, supporting the effective use of shared research infrastructure in South Africa.