New Bruker Center of Excellence for Metaproteomics at the University of Vienna

The microbiome plays a pivotal role in ecosystems, including human health and disease. David Gómez-Varela and Manuela Schmidt from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Vienna have developed innovative approaches in the emerging field of metaproteomics.

Metaproteomics refers to experimental methods for studying the complete set of proteins (the proteome) of microbial communities from living organisms or environmental sources. This enables the simultaneous analysis of both microbiomes — such as that of the human gut — and the host’s own cells. The unique advantage of this post-genomic approach lies in its ability not only to identify which microorganisms are present in a sample, but also to understand what they are doing and how they interact. Such insights are crucial for advancing research in healthy ageing, personalized medicine, and disease prevention.

The new initiative builds on the University of Vienna's strong foundation and expertise in microbiome research, particularly at the Faculty of Life Sciences and at the Center for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS).

As a global manufacturer of scientific instruments for molecular and materials research, Bruker serves as an important strategic partner. Through its "Centers of Excellence" program, Bruker collaborates with leading research institutions worldwide.

"We welcome this new collaboration, in which the University of Vienna and Bruker combine scientific excellence with cutting-edge technology. Ultimately, the goal is to generate new knowledge that can help improve human health," says Ronald Maier, Vice-Rector for Digitalization and Knowledge Transfer at the University of Vienna.

"This partnership with Bruker opens up exciting new opportunities to further develop metaproteomics as a key technology in functional microbiome research. Our goal is to gain deeper insights into microbial activity and identify new avenues for diagnostics and therapy — particularly in the context of chronic diseases and personalized medicine," says David Gómez-Varela, Director of the newly established Center of Excellence for Metaproteomics.

"We are excited to establish a long-term collaboration with the University of Vienna — and in particular with David Gómez-Varela and Manuela Schmidt — to realize our shared vision of using metaproteomics to understand biology, improve health, and help treat disease," says Rohan A. Thakur, President of Bruker Daltonics. "Together, this partnership fosters a dynamic and collaborative environment for biomedical research in Vienna."

Bruker enables scientists to make groundbreaking post-genomic discoveries and develop new applications that improve quality of life. With powerful scientific instruments and high-quality analytical and diagnostic solutions, Bruker empowers researchers to explore life and materials at molecular, cellular, and microscopic levels.

In close collaboration with our customers, Bruker drives innovation, increases productivity, and supports scientific success in post-genomic life science research in molecular and cellular biology, applied and biopharmaceutical applications, microscopy and nanoanalysis, as well as in industrial contexts.

Bruker offers differentiated, high-performance systems and solutions for life science and diagnostics — including preclinical imaging, clinical phenomics research, proteomics and multi-omics, spatial and single-cell biology, functional structural and condensate biology, as well as clinical microbiology and molecular diagnostics.

Read more about proteomics research in the lab in our science magazine Rudolphina: https://rudolphina.univie.ac.at/das-raetsel-chronischer-schmerzen-entschluesseln