Molecular Nodes workshop blog post

_posts/2026-08-18-molecularnodes-workshop.md

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+---
+layout: post
+title: "Molecular Nodes Workshop in London — September 17–18, 2026"
+---
+
+We are excited to announce a **two-day, in-person [Molecular
+Nodes](https://bradyajohnston.github.io/MolecularNodes/) workshop** at
+King's College London on **September 17–18, 2026**. Registration is
+free, with 30 spots available — apply by **September 4, 2026**.
+
+  <img src="{{ site.images }}/public/images/blender-molecular-nodes.png"
+   style="float: right" alt="alternative text" width="30%"/>
+
+## What Is Molecular Nodes?
+
+[Molecular Nodes](https://bradyajohnston.github.io/MolecularNodes/)
+(MN) is an add-on for [Blender](https://www.blender.org/), the
+industry-leading open-source 3D visualisation and animation program,
+that brings structural biology data into Blender. MN is built on top of
+[MDAnalysis](https://www.mdanalysis.org) and can import structures from
+`.pdb` and `.mmCIF` files, molecular dynamics trajectories and
+topologies from a range of simulation packages, and density data from
+cryo-EM and cryo-ET in formats such as `.map` and `.star`. Once loaded,
+this data can be styled in highly customisable ways, animated from
+static crystal structures, and played back as full trajectories — all
+using Blender's rendering engine.
+
+## Workshop Programme
+
+**Day 1 (September 17, 10:00–17:00):** Learn the basics of working in
+Blender, importing molecular data (`.pdb`, `.cif`, MD simulations), and
+building animations from it. No prior Blender or Molecular Nodes
+experience is required.
+
+**Day 2 (September 18, 10:00–15:30):** Using the skills from Day 1, you
+will work on your own simulation data to produce images and animations,
+supported by our instructors.
+
+## Details
+
+- **Dates:** September 17–18, 2026
+- **Location:** King's College London, Strand Campus 
+- **Cost:** Free! Light lunch and coffee breaks provided.
+- **Capacity:** 30 spots (first-come first-serve, with a waitlist)
+- **Application deadline:** September 4, 2026, 23:59 BST
+
+**What to bring:**
+
+- Laptop (the more powerful the GPU, the better)
+- Laptop charger (you *will* run out of battery)
+- External 3-button mouse (strongly encouraged, not required)
+- Your own simulation data (optional)
+
+## Apply Now
+
+**[Apply via the registration form on Luma.](https://luma.com/qh88ds0x)**
+Registration requires approval and closes on September 4, 2026.
+
+Questions? Reach out to
+[workshops@mdanalysis.org](mailto:workshops@mdanalysis.org).
+
+We hope to see you there!
+