Broadening European NMR spectroscopy
NMR spectroscopy has applications in several areas of life sciences. Scientists can obtain information about the atomic structure of biologically significant molecules and their complexes with the help of this technology. In particular, by examining small molecules called metabolites, they can detect changes in cell behaviour and organ function. The EU-funded project 'World wide NMR' (WW-NMR) was launched to provide much-needed support for research using NMR techniques by mobilising tools and expertise. Six leading national laboratories joined their forces to offer researchers access to the most advanced NMR spectrometers as well as to promote networking and joint research efforts. Through past EU-funded initiatives, WW-NMR partners had established a distributed yet cohesive continental research infrastructure. Scientists across Europe had access to state-of-the-art NMR spectrometers and ancillary equipment for the preparation of biological samples. The consortium was, therefore, in the position to build mutually beneficial relationships with research groups in five other countries. Its instruments were the WW-NMR workshops and staff exchanges. Three joint scientific workshops were organised in Beijing (China), Hyderabad (India) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), covering recent advances in NMR technology and findings of metabolomics research. Secondments from Asia and South America to Europe exceeded 40 months. The collaborations built with newly developed research groups in other parts of the world increased the visibility of NMR-based research carried out at European NMR laboratories. More importantly, the WW-NMR project is expected to enable Europe to lead the agenda on NMR and metabolomics research at an international level.
Keywords
NMR spectroscopy, life sciences, metabolites, metabolomics
