Tracer metabolomics
Tracer metabolomics
11 February 2026, 9h00-17h00
12 February 2026, 9h00-17h00
13 February 2026, 9h00-17h00
General context
Understanding metabolic fluxes is crucial for elucidating the biochemical mechanisms underlying diseases, drug responses, and genetic mutations. Tracer metabolomics offers a unique window into these dynamic processes by tracking labelled substrates through metabolic pathways. However, interpreting tracer metabolomics data is technically challenging, as it requires the integrated analysis of metabolite levels, isotopic tracer incorporation patterns, and their specific localization within metabolic pathways.
This three-day course is designed for researchers who are interested in learning the basics of tracer metabolomics. Participants will gain foundational knowledge in the concepts needed to set up a tracer metabolomics experiment and to understand and interpret the results of a tracer metabolomics analysis.
- Describe the principles and concepts of tracer metabolomics and its relevance to studying metabolomics fluxes
- Provide tips and tricks for optimal design of your tracer metabolomics experiments
- Perform high-quality preparation for tracer metabolomics
- Discuss and demonstrate computational tools used by the Metabolomics Core to analyse tracer metabolomics data
- Evaluate and interpret the tracer metabolomics analysis results that the Metabolomics Core generates
This training combines lectures with demo sessions to provide both theoretical and practical background in tracer metabolomics.
A guided tour of the Metabolomics Core facility will offer insights into technologies and workflows used in real-world applications, including hands-on sample preparation in the lab.
Participants are expected to bring their own laptops to actively participate in the practical components.
Please note that this training will be followed by a training dedicated to spatial metabolomics.
If you want to attend the spatial metabolomics training, you also have to follow this one.
Travel grant eligibility
VIB Metabolomics Core Leuven offers 3 travel grants to international junior scientists, which will reimburse travel costs up to €400. These grants are available exclusively to non-Flemish academics traveling from outside Belgium to attend the event.
Grants will be awarded based on the quality of the motivation letter and the relevance of the applicant’s background to the event.
The deadline to apply is 30 November 2025.
To apply, please submit your travel grant application via this link.
Trainers
Bart Ghesquière
Camila Takeno Cologna
Marco Giampà
In the Metabolomics Core, Marco serves as the MSI specialist. He is integrating spatial dimensions into tracer metabolomics workflows. His expertise is key in developing and implementing novel methodologies to enhance the resolution, accuracy, and clinical relevance of metabolomics research.
Sam De Craemer
Shauni Loopmans
In the VIB Metabolomics Core, Shauni supports clients with experimental design and interpreting metabolomics data. She ensures that new technologies developed within the facility are applied in biological experiments, bridging the gap between advanced metabolomics tools and biological insights.
Program
Welcome coffee (provided)
Introduction to metabolomics and experimental design
Lunch (provided)
Metabolite extraction best practices (hands-on)
Welcome coffee (provided)
Data analysis and interpretation: individual metabolites
Lunch (provided)
Data analysis and interpretation: linking metabolites by Pathways
From hands-on to insights: interpreting your results
Food truck & Networking
Welcome coffee (provided)
Biological interpretation of tracer metabolomics data
Spatial metabolomics
Lunch (provided)
Q&A sessions and Lab tour
Practical info
11 February 2026 - 13 February 2026
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Herestraat 49
3000 Leuven
Belgium
11 February 2026 - 13 February 2026
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Leuven train station is approximately 4 km from the campus Gasthuisberg. Buses depart very regularly to the Gasthuisberg Campus from Leuven train station.
For tickets and up to date schedules visit website De Lijn or use the De Lijn App.
Exit at the very last bus stop ‘Gasthuisberg Campus) make sure not to exit at ‘Gasthuisberg Kliniek =
hospital)
Once you get off the bus, go to your right and go up the street until you see stairs to your left. Climb the stairs all the way up between two buildings. Look for the signs containing blue circles and white numbers and follow them all the way from 2 up to number 12. You will cross several buildings and the walk will take max. 10 minutes. When you reach number 12, you have reached O&N 5, where you can find the reception.
11 February 2026 - 13 February 2026
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
The Gasthuisberg campus is west of the Leuven ring. Our buildings are situated behind the hospital (see black arrow near ‘RING NOORD’ on the map). If you come from the city center, you will arrive on campus from the east side (taking Mgr. Van Waeyenberglaan and roundabout Het Teken). If you come from Heverlee or Campus Arenberg, you will arrive from the west side (taking the Celestijnenlaan and Taborweg). When you arrive uphill at the intersection with the Rega Institute and the Red Cross building, you need to take the road down to the bicycle parking at Rega Institute (see map) where you can park. Next, follow the ‘Onderwijs & Navorsing blue route’ description below (start point is #9).
11 February 2026 - 13 February 2026
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
You arrive via the E314 highway – EXIT 16
After 200 m, keep left to drive underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
You arrive via the Leuven ring road
At the roundabout, take the exit towards ‘Spoed / Ziekenhuis’.
Follow the ring around Campus Gasthuisberg and pass the entrance of SPOED.
Continue right until you arrive at a second roundabout.
Follow the directions for E314.
Near the Fire Brigade Station, make a U-turn and follow the directions for ‘Ziekenhuis’.
Keep left and drive downhill, underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
Next, leave the parking at level +1 using the big stairs near the vending machines.
Follow the red carpet and arrows to 'Onco Dagcentrum' to get to the O&N buildings. Take the stairs on your left after exiting Parking West. You are now in front of the O&N4 building; on the left you will find O&N5.