Since the 1960’s, C. elegans nematode worms have become a powerful model organism for studying a broad range of research questions. The many advantages of C. elegans, including their low cost and ease of maintenance, make them a good fit for researchers in almost any setting—including primarily undergraduate institutions (PUI’s) as well as research facilities worldwide where funding and equipment are scarce. In this collection, authors will describe relatively inexpensive, low-tech methods they have developed or adapted for using C. elegans in their research. 

The aim of this methods collection is to include genetic techniques; procedures to manipulate, track, and analyse worms; and protocols to expose worms to various physical or chemical agents. This collection will not only be helpful for educators leading undergraduate research projects but also for worm researchers working internationally. This collection will also be of interest to early-career scientists with minimal start-up funds, and to researchers who wish to do simple pilot experiments before investing in more sophisticated equipment. 

It is noteworthy that the C. elegans community has a longstanding tradition of sharing information, reagents, and ideas like these, which help everyone succeed in learning more about basic biology and human disease.