This course will provide an introduction to metabolomics through lectures and hands-on sessions, using publicly available data, software, and tools. Participants will become familiar with standardised workflows as well as with the current state of experimental design, data acquisition (LC-MS, MS imaging), processing, and modelling. In addition, they will learn about community standards and sharing in metabolomics, particularly through the use of EMBL-EBI’s MetaboLights repository and Galaxy infrastructure. Participants will learn through hands-on tutorials to use tools available for data analysis and data submission. Additionally, case studies will be discussed to show how to employ the week’s learning.

Who is this course for?

This course is aimed at researchers who are new to the field of metabolomics and wish to learn about the process of conducting a metabolomics study. The course will benefit those who are planning to integrate metabolomics into their work, either moving into the field or as an investigator from other -omics. We will primarily focus on a basic introduction to metabolomics with worked examples using a predesigned LC-MS analysis workflow.

Basic knowledge of programming languages can be an advantage (e.g. you understand the basic command line functioning, you can navigate Galaxy tutorials). We recommend these free resources or other similar ones:

• The Unix Shell: https://swcarpentry.github.io/shell-novice/
• A Short Introduction to Galaxy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRdlOcVgjRY 

What will I learn?

Learning outcomes

After the course you should be able to:

• Perform basic data acquisition, processing, and modelling in metabolomics 
• Estimate what factors contribute to designing a successful metabolomics study
• Describe the issues of data standards and sharing in metabolomics
• Access and use public metabolomics resources 
• Cite the principles of creating a standardised workflow to perform basic metabolomics analysis
   

Course content

During this course you will learn about: 

• Basic metabolomics experimental design, acquisition, and analysis
• Public metabolomics resources: MetaboLights, Galaxy 
• Open source metabolomics tools made available through customisable workflows
• Case study based on a published/public example

Trainers

Please read our support page before starting your application. In order to be considered for a place on this course, you must do the following:

• Complete the online application form.
• Ensure you add relevant information to the ‘submission details’ section where you are asked to provide information on your:
  • pre-requisite skills and knowledge
  • current work and course expectations
  • data availability
• Upload one letter of support from your supervisor or a senior colleague detailing reasons why you should be selected for the course.

Please submit all documents during the application process by 23:59 on 28 January 2024. Items marked * in the application are mandatory. Incomplete applications will not be processed. 

All applicants will be informed of the status of their application (successful, waiting list, unsuccessful) by 12 February 2024. If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Meredith Willmott.

The registration fee of £685.00 includes:

• Catering as detailed on the course programme
• Accommodation for three nights (14, 15, and 16 May) 
• Bespoke course handbook with links to all course materials
• Use of a computer in the EMBL-EBI training suite throughout the course
• Shuttle bus on the final course day to Cambridge train station 

Fee bursaries

Limited financial assistance is available in the form of registration fee waivers, which will cover the registration fee to be paid to attend the course. Recipients will be informed about their bursary application together with the outcome of their course application.

You may apply for financial assistance when submitting your application. During the application, you will be asked to justify your need to receive a fee bursary and how your attendance will make a difference to your career. Application for financial support will not affect the outcome of your application.

The scientific organisers will select the recipients of all financial assistance during the participant selection process. Bursary selection results do not impact your admission to the course. Selection is based on scientific merit, your current work or study location, the reasons for needing financial support, and the impact this event will have on your career.

Accommodation 

Hotel rooms will be provided onsite at Hinxton Hall Conference Centre. Please contact them directly if you wish to arrange to stay additional nights around the course dates.

Catering

The course includes catering as detailed on the programme tab. Successful applicants will be asked for any dietary requirements and allergies upon registration. 

Course materials

The course materials from the 2023 edition of the course are now live and available for you to use. They provide a mixture of pre-recorded lectures, presentations, and practicals from the course, and will give you a snapshot of what to expect in the 2024 edition.

Posters

All participants are expected to present a poster that will be displayed during the course outside the training room. Successful applicants will be asked to submit their poster upon registration. We will print these for you and have them available when you arrive on site.

All posters should:

•          be A2 in size – 420mm x 594 mm
•          be in a portrait orientation
•          include your photograph and contact information

We expect the posters to act as a talking point between you, other participants, and the trainers on the course. The posters will be displayed throughout the week so people can view them during breaks and lunch. They should give the reader an idea of the work you are engaged in, what you are planning to do next, and anything of interest that might be useful for sharing with the gathered participants.