Platform Access and Training Requests

Welcome to the MCP

MCP services are available for all University of Melbourne staff and students, researchers from other universities, research institutes, hospitals and industry.

New users who require advice for which cytometer and node is most suitable for their needs should contact us via our general email.

Choose from the 3 options below depending on the service(s) that you require

Hands-on training should only be requested by researchers whose cytometry experimentation is imminent.

Hands-on training is best undertaken when experimentation is about to begin, not weeks or months in advance. We find that if new users do not begin experimentation while training is still fresh in the memory, do not remember how to properly operate and care for the cytometer nor navigate the software and retraining is required. This incurs additional fees and potential delays in arranging a new session.

1. Watch "Fundamentals of Flow Cytometry" by Vanta Jameson for an introduction to cytometry basics
2. Download and read Introduction to Flow Cytometry. You'll need this to complete the cytometry competency quiz
3. Download and complete the MCP Cytometry Quiz. Upload in step 6
4. Download and read the MCP terms and conditions  2026
5. Complete the UOM User Agreement Form (researchers/ students within a UOM-administered lab) OR the External User Agreement Form (for non-UOM-administered labs - includes students who are at Florey, Peter Mac, MCRI, WEHI, Monash etc...)- ensure that it is signed by your supervisor. Upload in step 6
6. Complete and submit this form
   1. ensure that all * fields are filled. A summary window indicates a successful submission. If the page rolls back to the field-fill page, review and complete before resubmitting
7. Request a Calpendo booking system account

Upon receipt of your request, you will be invited to attend hands-on training on a first-come-first-served basis. Training is offered 1-on-1 or in groups of 2 and training typically takes 3 hours, depending on previous experience. We try to match new trainees with similar levels of experience within a single training session. Training is charged to group leaders at an hourly rate (see costs in Terms and Conditions), split equally between groups when researchers from different labs are trained together.

Independent analyser access 24 hours/ 7 days per week, is granted to UOM staff and graduate students following hands-on instrument training, competency testing (1 more quiz on LMS Canvas) and building and OHS training inductions. Outside of buisness hours access may not be available for undergraduate (including Honours) students and non-UOM researchers.

1. Complete and submit this form
   1. ensure that all * fields are filled. A summary window indicates a successful submission. If the page rolls back to the field-fill page, review and complete before resubmitting.

Submit an new UOM User Agreement Form if you've changed affiliation/ lab group

1. Download and read the MCP terms and conditions  2026
2. Complete the UOM User Agreement Form (researchers/ students within a UOM-administered lab) OR the External User Agreement Form (for non-UOM-administered labs - includes students who are at Florey, Peter Mac, MCRI, WEHI, Monash etc...)- ensure that it is signed by your supervisor. Upload in step 3
3. Complete and submit this form
   1. ensure that all * fields are filled. A summary window indicates a successful submission. If the page rolls back to the field-fill page, review and complete before resubmitting
4. Request a Calpendo booking system account

Assisted cell sorting is available during business hours and there is no need for building or instrument induction. Researchers are escorted to labs and are welcome to view and guide the experimental setup before leaving.