The school was designed for undergraduates, PhD students, early-career researchers, and professionals in R&D. It offered a comprehensive introduction to the field of metabolomics and its growing relevance to human, animal, and environmental health.

Among the invited speakers was Marcella Bonanomi, who gave a presentation that was well received and which bridged foundational concepts in metabolomics with real-world research applications. Drawing on her own research, she explained how mass spectrometry technologies can be used to detect and analyse metabolite profiles in various biological systems.

A key part of Bonanomi’s talk focused on the REACT project, in which she presented protocols for metabolite extraction from the dissected organs of three species of tephritid fruit fly: Ceratitis capitata, Bactrocera dorsalis and Bactrocera zonata. These species are of critical interest in the context of pest control and biosecurity, and the aim of REACT is to improve our understanding of their physiology at a molecular level. Bonanomi explained how the team is working to identify potential markers of male quality, with the aim of supporting the development of more targeted and effective Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) programmes.

Beyond REACT, Bonanomi shared broader research findings that demonstrate the effectiveness of metabolomics in the study of insects, their metabolic pathways and their interactions with the environment.
The REACT project was also represented by Daniela Gaglio and Tecla Aramini, who were part of the school’s organizing team and present throughout the sessions. They were available to discuss the project in more detail, answer questions from participants, and contribute to the collaborative spirit of the academy.

The Metabolomics Academy successfully brought together emerging scientists and experienced researchers to explore how metabolomics contributes to the One Health approach. For REACT, the event was not only an opportunity to present ongoing work, but also to engage with the next generation of scientists who may one day carry the field even further.