Welcome

Dear colleagues and friends,

We are delighted to invite you to the first FEBS practical course, Investigating metabolism in biological systems applying metabolomics - from cells to whole organisms.

Over the past 20 years metabolomics has evolved into a powerful tool allowing the investigation of hundreds to low thousands of metabolites from many areas of metabolism and can be applied across the biological sciences to investigate cellular organisms from microbes to humans and plants. This practical course offers a unique opportunity for young scientists (PhD student, post-doctoral researchers and fellows) to learn about this exciting technique, gain hands-on experience using state-of-art instrumentation and learn how to apply metabolomics research in their own research projects.

During the course you will join a team of experts actively working in the field who will introduce you to different aspects and application of metabolomics. The course is designed to provide considerable hands-on training in both experimental and computational aspects of the workflow with dedicated sessions on (1) sample preparation, (2) liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry, (3) NMR spectroscopy and (4) data processing and statistical analysis. The course programme also includes lectures to provide theoretical background to the practical session and four keynote speakers to highlight specific applications. Throughout the week there will be numerous networking activities, social events and group activities allowing you to establish networks with you peers and the training team that will last throughout your scientific careers. You will have the opportunity to discuss your own research projects and ideas during the social events and in a panel Q&A at the end of the week.

You will stay close to the University of Liverpool campus, a short walk away from the seminar rooms and laboratories, but with easy access to the city of Liverpool. Where you will have time to explore the city, the home of the beatles.

We look forward to welcoming you to the University of Liverpool for a stimulating course.

Warwick Dunn, Cate Winder & Marie Phelan