NMR Workshop 2026
** Registration now open **
Welcome to our NMR Workshop: Relaxation Data Analysis
Thursday 17 Sept 2026
HWB-NMR, University of Birmingham
Registration deadline: 6 Aug 2026 (or until places are filled)
We are delighted to offer a 1-day course (including theory and hands-on practical sessions, laptop required) focussing on relaxation data analysis using the well-supported software CcpNmr AnalysisDynamics and ChemEx. 15N relaxation data (T1, T2, heteronuclear nOe) as well as more advanced relaxation dispersion and CEST data will be carefully extracted and analysed to learn how to use the software and show how these data should be treated and interpreted to provide accurate insight into the important mechanisms and functions of biomolecules.
The course will provide useful practical hints and tips not generally found in text books, with training provided by experts in the field.
Course organisers: Dr Mark Jeeves & Dr John Kirkpatrick
Programme Summary
Session 1
Session 1
CcpNmr AnalysisDynamics: Model Free analysis of 15N NMR relaxation data
(Instructor: Dr Vicky Higman, CcpNmr Team)
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation experiments provide residue-resolved access to the molecular dynamics of proteins across a wide range of timescales. The CcpNmr AnalysisDynamics software provides an integrated framework to analyse such data. The course will cover the theory and practice of how to extract fast-time scale motions from T1 and T2 relaxation and 1H-15N heteronuclear NOE experiments, perform reduced spectral density mapping and extract further information using the Model Free formalism. There will be discussion of how to treat errors, select models and check the consistency of data across multiple fields accurately. We will also indicate how the analysis of slower timescale dynamics with ChemEx is possible via the CcpNmr AnalysisDynamics interface using a plugin.
Session 2
Session 2
ChemEx: Analysis of CEST and relaxation dispersion NMR data
(Instructor: Dr Guillaume Bouvignies, ENS Paris).
NMR relaxation-dispersion and CEST experiments provide powerful approaches to characterise biomolecular conformational exchange on the microsecond-to-millisecond timescale, including low-populated “invisible” states that are not directly observed in conventional spectra. This practical session will introduce the analysis of such data using ChemEx, an open-source Python program for quantitative modelling of NMR chemical-exchange experiments. After a short theoretical overview of chemical exchange and its effects on NMR observables, participants will work through the analysis of 15N CEST data recorded on an FF domain mutant that transiently populates a folding intermediate. The practical will cover the main steps of the workflow, from spectral analysis and intensity extraction to the preparation of ChemEx input files, fitting of exchange parameters, inspection of fitted profiles, and interpretation of populations, exchange rates and chemical-shift differences. The session will also illustrate how CEST and CPMG data can be combined within ChemEx to obtain a more complete description of biomolecular exchange processes.
This workshop is aimed at anyone wishing to learn how to analyse NMR relaxation data accurately and correctly, including PhD students, post-docs, PIs & Research Technical Professionals (RTPs) or equivalents from industry and academia.
Pre-requisites: To gain the most benefit from the course, exposure to basic 15N relaxation data measurement and analysis of biological macromolecules as well as hands-on spectrometer experience is desirable. Students will need to bring a laptop pre-loaded with AnalysisDynamics and ChemEx software (laptops not supplied).
We look forward to seeing you!
Programme
Programme
This NMR workshop combines lectures, practical hands-on exercises and discussion, enabling valuable interaction between students and instructors.
Thursday 17 September
10.00 - 10.15: Arrival, refreshments, software testing
10.15 - 10.30: Welcome & Introductions
10.30 - 12.00: Introduction to the theory of the NMR relaxation parameters analysed
(Dr Vicky Higman & Dr Guillaume Bouvignies)
12.00 - 13.00: Lunch
13.00 - 15.00: CcpNmr AnalysisDynamics - practical session
(Dr Vicky Higman, CcpNmr Team)
15.00 - 15.30: Coffee break
15.30 – 17.30: ChemEx - practical session
(Dr Guillaume Bouvignies, ENS Paris)
Registration
Registration
** Registration for NMR Workshop 2026 is now open! **
Deadline for registration: 6 Aug 2026 (or until places are filled)
Academic Registration Fee: £50
Industry Registration Fee: £100
Registration fee includes instruction, refreshments (on arrival and in the afternoon), and lunch. Applicable course instructions will be emailed to all participants prior to the start of the course. Please note that accommodation (if required) and travel expenses are not included. Participant numbers on this hands-on practical based course are limited to 20. Priority will be given to PhD students/postdocs in the event that the class is oversubscribed and to those attending the Annual NMR Symposium at HWB-NMR the following day (18 Sept 2026) where poster presentations are also invited.
Register here for the NMR Workshop 2026: Relaxation Data Analysis - refunds of the registration fee (in full) will be arranged for anyone not able to attend if the class is oversubscribed. Unless otherwise advised, places for non- students/postdocs will be confirmed by 14 August at the latest.
Travel
NMR Workshop 2026 will be held at the Henry Wellcome Building for Biomolecular NMR (HWB-NMR), where participants will be able to get acquainted with the national NMR facility at the University of Birmingham.
HWB-NMR is conveniently located <10 mins walk from "University" railway station and is shown as building B8 on the campus map. Trains from Birmingham New Street depart every ~10 mins and the journey time takes <8 mins. Postcode: B15 2QU
SatNav postcode for nearest car park: B15 2SA - North East multi-storey pay & display car park, floors 1-5, access via Prichatts Road (no lift). For cashless payment using the RingGo app, the location number for non-permit holders is 15677.
Accommodation
Please note that delegates are responsible for arranging their own accommodation should they need it. You may wish to use the University conference facilities. Alternatively, a wide variety of accommodation is available in Birmingham city centre which is within easy reach of the meeting venue by train, bus or taxi.
(to search for hotel rooms in the area, the University postcode for the course location is B15 2QU)