We are excited to announce the theoretical-practical course “Metabolomics in Food Science: From Food Resources to Industrial Processing and Food Intake", coordinated by Dr Mónica Cala from Universidad de los Andes, Colombia, in collaboration with The Metabolomics Innovation Center (TMIC) in Canada, EAFIT University, and the Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation (AGROSAVIA), taking place from July 21-25, 2025.
This course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of how metabolomics can be applied across various stages of Food Science, enabling participants to design and execute experiments that integrate metabolomics across the entire food chain—from the initial stages of food production and industrial processing to the metabolic outcomes of food consumption. Over five days, participants will delve into the latest technologies and methodologies used in food metabolomics and biotechnology, including cutting-edge analytical techniques, data processing strategies, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Hands-on sessions will emphasize both targeted and untargeted metabolomic approaches, statistical analysis, and data interpretation, providing a comprehensive foundation in both theory and practice. This program not only equips participants with technical skills but also highlights the critical role that omics technologies play in enhancing food production, quality and innovation. Special emphasis will be placed on the use of metabolomics to address critical challenges in food quality, safety, and the growing field of personalized nutrition.
Content Summary
Theoretical sessions:
- Introduction to Food Metabolomics: Food Metabolomics, analytical techniques employed in metabolomics studies, and data processing and analysis in metabolomics
Metabolomics applications in Food resources: Metabolomics for the identification of geographical origins and food authenticity, enhancing Food Resources and biotechnology for improving crops
Metabolomics for Industrial Food Processing: Metabolomics for industrial food processing technologies, food packaging and food safety.
Metabolomics for Food Intake: Nutrimetabolomics and personalized medicine, food intake, biomarkers in food consumption, and the interaction with human gut microbiota.
Hands on data sessions: The participant will be able to choose which one to attend according to the participant's research and training interests. Personal computers are required for the practical sessions.
Practical session 1 - Targeted Approaches in Food Metabolomics
Practical session 2 - Tools for data analysis in Food Metabolomics
Target Audience
Undergraduate and graduate students in engineering, basic sciences, and medicine, as well as established researchers and professionals from the food and biotechnology industries with an interest in omics sciences in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Scholarships application procedure
Send motivation letter, 1 recommendation letter (students only) and short CV to mp.cala10@uniandes.edu.co and metcoreschool@gmail.com.
Applications are open starting March 10th, applications received before this date might not be considered.
Last day to apply: March 25th, 2025.
