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International knowledge exchange, practical experience, and modern analytical technologies—from August 11–13, 2026, the Medical University of Bialystok hosted participants in a specialized course on “Metabolomics.”

The three-day event brought together students and staff from partner universities, including those from Greece, Portugal, France, and Spain, as well as representatives from the Medical University of Bialystok. The course was organized as part of the “Support for European University Alliances” project and provided an opportunity not only to gain specialized knowledge but also to exchange experiences and establish contacts within the international academic community.

From Theory to Practice—Metabolomics in the Spotlight

The course program was designed to combine theoretical knowledge with intensive laboratory work and bioinformatics data analysis. Participants learned about the most important topics related to clinical metabolomics, covering both targeted and non-targeted methods, as well as modern approaches to data processing and interpretation.

The sessions were led by experts from the Medical University of Bialystok: Dr. Joanna Godzień, Dr. Katarzyna Miniewska, Dr. Dariusz Kiejza, Sandra Chmielewska, M.A., and Dr. Patrycja Mojsak. Thanks to the combination of expert knowledge and hands-on activities, participants were able to follow the entire process—from preparing the material for analysis, through data acquisition, to its further processing.

The first day was devoted to the fundamentals of targeted and untargeted metabolomics, the application of GC-MS in clinical research, and the basics of statistical analysis. The scientific program was complemented by cultural activities—participants visited the UMB Museum and toured the historic Branicki Palace.

The second day was decidedly practical in nature. Participants worked on procedures for preparing clinical samples and their derivatization for GC-MS analysis, gaining experience in laboratory work and learning the successive stages of preparing material for testing.

The final day of the course focused on data analysis and processing. Participants learned, among other things, how to build their own spectral databases and generate quantitative data matrices, integrating the knowledge gained during previous sessions into a coherent analytical process.

Learning, Collaboration, and an International Community

The “Metabolomics” course was not only a specialized training program but also an example of how international academic collaboration can create a space for shared learning, the exchange of experiences, and the development of competencies among future scientists.

After three intensive days of collaborative work, the course concluded with a summary of the workshops and a ceremonial presentation of certificates to the participants.

International initiatives of this kind strengthen cooperation between partner universities and allow participants to develop skills in fields related to modern science and medicine, while also getting to know the academic and cultural aspects of Białystok.

International Cooperation Department

The programme is funded by the European Union under the project entitled ‘Support for European University Alliances’, reference number FERS.01.05-IP.08-0219/23