Metabolomics is a field that studies small molecules called metabolites in various
organisms, including plants, animals, and humans. These molecules include amino acids,
sugars, lipids, vitamins, plant secondary metabolites, and other compounds produced or
consumed during cellular activity. They give us a real-time insight into the organism’s
state and reflect its response to different nutrients, environment, stress, disease, or drugs.
The goal of the ERA Chiar Foodomics project, operating within the Metabolomics for food
and nutrition Centre, is to ensure its sustainable operation. Era Chair FOODOMICS will
become a leading research and educational center in the field of metabolomics at the
University of Ljubljana.
The word “metabolomics” derives from the Greek term “metabolḗ”, which means exchange,
change, or transformation, and is derived from the Greek verb “metabállō”, meaning to
change or alter, composed of “metá” (meaning “across” or “beyond”) and “bállō” (meaning
“to throw”).
Metabolomics is the scientific field that studies small molecules, called metabolites, in
various organisms such as plants, animals, and humans. These include amino acids, sugars,
lipids, vitamins, plant secondary metabolites, and other compounds that are produced or
consumed during cellular processes.
In essence, metabolomics focuses on the analysis of these small molecules in cells or
biological fluids, observing how they are produced how they change during cellular activity.
These molecules provide insight into the real-time state of an organism and reflect its
response to food, environment, stress, disease, or medications.
Such research is made possible by modern analytical technologies such as mass
spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
It’s important to distinguish between the concepts of food and nutrition.
Food refers to the substances and beverages we consume, while nutrition encompasses a
broader context – the way, quantity, and quality of food intake and its impact on health.
Nutrition thus reflects our dietary habits.
Metabolomics enables us to understand the effects of nutrition on health and to detect
diseases such as cancer or diabetes early. It also supports the development of personalized
diets tailored to individual health conditions and the production of high-value food using
advanced processing technologies.
The primary reason for establishing the “metabolomics Research Centre” at the University
of Ljubljana is to bring together knowledge in the field of metabolomics under the
leadership od Prof. Dr. Urška Vrhovšek, an expert in this area, thus enhance the reputation
of Slovenian science.
As part of the ERA Chair project, we will develop new holistic approaches to studying
nutrients, expand the use of metabolomics to nutritional intervention studies, trace the
metabolic pathways of bioactive compound in the human body, study human metabolism
and the microbiome, and identify new biomarkers that reflect biological states. These are
crucial for early disease detection and understanding the effectiveness of therapies and
nutrition.
Advances in untargeted metabolomics – where all metabolites in a sample are analyzed
without prior selection – will be enabled through high throughput instruments capable of
processing thousands of samples. The development of modern tools for data mining,
processing, and integration will allow for the simultaneous measurement of thousands of
previously under – researched metabolites.
Technological progress and scientific discoveries in this field, coupled with growing public
awareness and demand for sustainable, high-quality, and personalized food, create new
opportunities for stakeholders.
Within ERA Chair FOODOMICS, we will develop new analytical methods for the analysis of
plant, animal, and human samples. Supported by an existing network of international,
regional, and national partners, SMEs, and other stakeholders, research results will enable a
shift from individual studies to large-scale projects.
The sustainable transformation of food systems also brings new opportunities for actors in
the food value chain. Establishing the Metabolomics Centre will play a key role in fostering
collaboration with already excellent research groups. The ultimate goal is to build a critical
mass of interdisciplinary knowledge that supports progress in linking food, nutrition, and
health, and strengthens the integration of Slovenian research institutions into the European
research Area.
Metabolomics in nutrition and identification of risk biomarkers also have a significant
impact on the environment and ecosystem health. Understanding these processes enables
the design of more targeted public health strategies and interventions, as well as the
development of advanced tools for early warning and more efficient resource use, such as
water reuse. Thus, metabolomics is integrated into broader strategies such as the circular
economy and bioeconomy, in line with the European Green Deal.
As a science, metabolomics plays a vital role in understanding the connection between
nutrition, health, and the environment. Through advanced technological approaches, it
enables deeper insight into human physiology, the development of targeted nutritional
solutions, early disease diagnosis, and improved quality of life.
With the establishment of the Metabolomics Centre, the University of Ljubljana is not only
strengthening its role in the European Research Area but also actively contributing to
solving global challenges – from sustainable food systems to personalized medicine. In the
future, the success of these efforts will also depend on collaboration among scientists,
industry, policymakers, and an informed society that understands the importance of the
results brought by metabolomics.
This science is not just about analyzing molecules – it is a bridge between knowledge and
the understanding of the interconnection between human health, animal health, and the
health of our planet – the concept of ONE HEALTH.
