Mayo Clinic CTSA Hosts Metabolomics Workshop
On April 16, the Mayo Clinic Center for Translational Science Activities (CTSA) hosted a first-of-its-kind workshop focused on metabolomics — the measurement of small molecules in biological systems. The workshop, an intensive one-day forum on metabolomics techniques and applications, was aimed at translational science investigators, KL2 and other K-award scholars, and research fellows interested in this emerging field.
More than 110 university and industry scientists, clinicians and fellows from across the country attended the event, which featured over a dozen expert speakers, spirited discussion and time for networking. Seen as particularly valuable was the significant time set aside for questions and discussion after each presentation; the day's speakers also convened for a panel discussion near the conclusion of the workshop.
"This workshop brought together basic scientists and clinician-investigators to learn about some of the newest advances in metabolomics," says Sree Nair, M.D., Ph.D., of Mayo Clinic, who chaired the workshop. "Many attendees told me afterward that they found the event to be highly collegial and extremely informative."
Only a volcanic cloud — literally — could cast a shadow on an otherwise successful workshop. Grahame Hardie, Ph.D., an internationally-recognized scientist from the University of Dundee, Scotland, and the scheduled keynote speaker for the lunch session, was unable to make the trip to Rochester due to the Icelandic volcano. Dr. Nair stepped in for the session, presenting on translational research opportunities with regard to mitochondrial function and diabetes.
In a follow-up survey, many attendees indicated that the workshop inspired them to learn more about specific metabolomics applications, while others noted an interest in exploring new collaborations.
Will the Mayo Clinic CTSA be presenting another such workshop in the future?
"With the field of metabolomics continuing to gain momentum, we're certainly interested in doing something like this again. Seminars like this are great networking opportunities and often inspire new research projects," says Dr. Nair.
Visiting presenters included Eric Ravussin, Ph.D., Louisiana State University; Christopher Newgard, Ph.D., Duke University Medical Center; and Daniel Raftery, Ph.D., Purdue University.
View workshop presentations, photos and video
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