Location and date
- May 25 · 9am – May 29 · 12 am
- Naples - Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn
About this event
The aim of this training course is to give you an introduction into what is possible within metabolomics and multi-omics approaches in chemical ecology, and to showcase fast, representative workflows for the analysis and interpretation of chemically mediated ecological interactions, based on standardized analytical and computational pipelines.
Additionally, you will get the latest insights into metabolomics and integrative multi-omics while also gaining hands-on experience by performing and analysing your own experimental data through expert-led practical sessions.
It will be supported for E-NICHE participants by funds from the COST action CA22102 program.
Learning Objectives
After the course, you will be able to:
- Explain and understand standardized concepts in metabolomics and multi-omics applied to chemical ecology
- Perform and evaluate a complete metabolomics workflow, from experimental design and sample preparation to data acquisition
- Process, visualize, and interpret metabolomics data using state-of-the-art computational tools
- Explain the strengths and limitations of different analytical platforms and acquisition strategies in metabolomics
- Design robust metabolomics experiments adapted to complex biological and ecological questions
- Design integrative experiments combining metabolomics with complementary omics approaches to investigate chemically mediated ecological interactions
Pre-homework
How will you use Metabolomics in your own research project? Prepare a 10 minutes presentation of this. What do you foresee as pitfalls and problems – use those to ask questions.
More information on this assignment to come.
Outline of the Program and Week
The courses will be structured in two complementary parts: a theoretical session designed to review the fundamental principles of metabolomics and multi-omics, followed by a practical, hands-on session in which participants are placed in a real-case scenario to apply these concepts through data analysis and interpretation.
Monday, May 25th
Welcome session and refresher on LC-MS and LC-MS/MS fundamentals, with an introduction to molecular networking
Tuesday, May 26th
Metabolomics workflows based on mass spectrometry data and natural products databases
Wednesday, May 27th
Biosynthetic gene clusters: exploration and annotation using antiSMASH and BiG-SCAPE
Thursday, May 28th
Integrative multi-omics approaches in chemical ecology: linking genomics and metabolomics to understand ecological interactions.
Friday, May 29th
Round-table discussion, perspectives, and future directions (all participants)
Joint discussion of the article/report: “Metabolomics for Chemical Ecology: Tools, Trends, and Future Directions”After selection, a more detailed program will be sent out.
Teachers
- DrGerardo Della Sala, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Italy
- Dr. Gregory Genta-Jouve, LEEISA, CNRS, French Guyana
- Dr Joelle Mergola-Greef, Wageningen University, Netherlands
- Prof. Soizic Prado, MNHN, France
- Prof. Giovanna Romano, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Italy
Selection Process and Deadlines
To apply to the Training Course, please sent to TS-omics@outlook.it a single PDF including your motivation letter underlining your interest in metabolomics, and a one-page CV with publications. The name of your file must include your first and last names. Your motivation letter must include your email.
Selected attendees will have to create an e-COST profile and will receive an e-COST invitation to the training school which must be accepted prior to the event. They will receive practical details with the invitation.
Please note that your application for the event is not a definitive registration. The selection will be at the discretion of the Training Course organizers and results will be communicated on Monday, April 6th. For all attendees, please note that if you are selected, you will have to arrange travel and accommodation by yourself. If eligible according to the eCOST rules, you will be reimbursed after the event.
E-NICHE application deadline: March 31th 2026
