Freeze Drying Theory & Hands on workshop
This course, organised by Biopharma Group, offers an intense 1-day lyophilisation training and hands-on workshops delivered by experts in the field of freeze-drying. The classroom element covers the fundamental aspects of freeze-drying including formulation development, process and analytical methods that can be applied to the freeze-dried product. You will also learn how to optimise the formulation conditions for the freeze-drying process using the Design of Experiments (DoE) approach.

The hands-on sessions include using the SP Scientific Lyostar 3 and Biopharma Group's Lyostat 5 and Lyotherm 3. UCL Biochemical Engineering department also provides a unique opportunity to access their equipment. Finally, a Q&A session will be conducted to answer any of your questions and sum up the training.
Course Highlights
Demonstration of Lyostat 5 Freeze-Drying Microscope:
- Set-up
- Loading a sample
- Running a microscopy experiment
- Creating a results video
Hands-on and Introduction to the SP Scientific Lyostar3
- ControLyo
- SMART
- TDLAS
- Review of historical data
- Software programming
- Utilising the sample thief
Demonstration of Lyotherm 3 DTA/ Impedance Analyser
- Set-up and analysing a sample
Start | End | Lecture | Title | Duration | Presenter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0830 | 0900 Arrival and registration 30 | Arrival and registration | 30 | ||
0900 | 0915 | U00 | Welcome and Introduction Welcome, introduction to course presenters and the aims of the seminar. | 5 | |
0920 | 1020 | U01 | Lyophilisation Fundamentals - Formulation, Process, Containers and Analysis This presentation will provide an overview of the fundamental aspects of freeze-drying, including elements of the formulation, container and process, and the analytical methods that can be applied pre-lyophilisation, during the process and to the freeze-dried product itself. | 60 | Dr. Kevin Ward BPS |
1020 | 1040 | Morning Break | |||
1040 | 1115 | U02 | Freeze-Drying using the Design of Experiments (DoE) Approach The lecture will review the use of Design of Experiments for the optimisation of formulation conditions for freeze-drying processes, aimed at enhancing the stability and shelf life of biopharmaceuticals | 35 | Prof. Paul Dalby UCL |
1115 | 1215 | U03 | Introduction to the SP Scientific Lyostar 3 This presentation will introduce the features and benefits of the Lyostar 3 freeze-dryer, including system layout, SMART software, Controlyo controlled nucleation functionality, suitability for scale-up and applicability to working with formulations containing organic solvents. | 60 | Leslie Mather SP Scientific |
1215 | 1300 | Lunch Break | |||
1300 | 1415 | Lab 1 | Group A: Lyostar 3 hands-on session Group B: Lyostat & Lyotherm hands-on 75 Leslie Mather | 75 | Leslie Mather SP Scientific (Lyostar 3) |
1415 | 1530 | Lab 2 | Group A: Lyostat & Lyotherm hands-on 75 Leslie Mather Group B: Lyostar 3 hands-on session | Dr Kevin Ward BPS (Lyostat / Lyotherm) | |
1530 | 1550 | Afternoon Break | |||
1550 | 1605 | U04 | Introduction to the Contract Service in the Department The UCL Department of Biochemical Engineering provides the external users to access their unique pilot-scale equipment (e.g. bioreactors, centrifuge, homegeniser, freeze-dryer, etc.). | 15 | Dr. Lourdes Velez Suberbie UCL |
1605 | 1630 | Question & Answer (Q&A) Session, Wrap-Up, Feedback and Take Home Messages A final Q&A session to cover any points raised during the seminar and lab sessions. | 25 | All |
Please note that the cost of accommodation is not included in the course fee* and that bedroom bookings must be made by the participants. A list of local hotels will be provided with the registration confirmation. Fees include morning and afternoon breaks, lunch and full lecture notes
Payment must be made in full before the start of the course to guarantee a place. Payment by BACS or credit/debit card is acceptable - please note we cannot accept payment by cheque. An invoice will be issued on receipt of booking. Payments in credit/debit card will be charged in GBP at the prevailing exchange rate as set by xe.com. An invoice will be issued on receipt of booking. Discounts are also available for academia and multiple bookings from the same company, please contact Sally Potentier at spotentier@biopharma.co.uk for more information.
Cancellation in writing more than 5 weeks before the course start date will incur a service charge of 30% of the applicable fee. No refunds can be made for cancellation after this date. Substitutes will be accepted at any time. Transfer to another scheduled course must be made in writing and a service charge will be incurred. Full T&Cs available on request.

Leslie Mather
Director of Training & Technical Support
SP Scientific
Leslie Mather is the Director of Training & Technical Support for SP Scientific. She started her career in 1998, holding various positions including Product Manager and Director of Pilot Freeze-Dryers. Leslie was involved heavily in the commercialization of Smart™, ControLyo™ and TDLAS Technologies, serving as the liaison between Lyophilization Centers of Excellence at the University of CT in the United States and University of Erlangen in Germany. Leslie has a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University.
Director of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Emergent Macromolecular Therapies, Co-Director of the EPSRC Future Targeted Healthcare Manufacturing Hub, and Deputy Head of the Department of Biochemical Engineering at UCL
UCL Biochemical Engineering
As well as the role above, Paul also Chairs the Biotechnology Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry. His research focuses on routes to improve therapeutic proteins for ease of manufacture, formulation and delivery to patients, as either liquid or freeze-dried protein formulations. He combines protein engineering and formulation, with biophysical characterisation, molecular modeling and simulation, to understand the factors that influence protein stability, and to guide protein engineering for improved properties.
Dr Kevin Ward
R&D Director,
Biopharma
Dr Kevin Ward entered the world of freeze-drying in 1993 when he embarked on a PhD in the lyophilisation of proteins and liposomes. After working in the pharmaceutical industry and in vaccine development, he joined Biopharma in 2000. As R&D Director, he has built up a team of 9 dedicated freeze-drying scientists, worked on over 3000 projects for more than 500 client companies across the globe, developed 3 analytical instruments, run more than 200 training courses, and successfully secured funding for 15 collaborative research projects. He has appeared on BBC television for his team’s work on cell preservation and been an advisor to the BBC for one of their popular science shows.
Further information
Ticketing
Ticketed and Pre-booking essential
Cost
£595.00
Open to
All
Availability
Yes