Dubrovnik recently hosted the 16th Mass Spectrometry in Biotechnology and Medicine (MSBM) Summer School. Held annually at the Centre for Advanced Academic Studies (CAAS) in Dubrovnik, the event aims to provide comprehensive education in mass spectrometry, a specialized area of analytical chemistry. The school offers a blend of academic lectures and workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities. The first and second schools were held in 2001 and 2007, but since 2009 MSBM has been held annually except for a couple of years pause due to COVID.
Program highlights
This year, the program of the 16th MSBM Summer School included 21 didactic lectures, four workshops, five research lectures, three sponsor lectures, and a career navigation session, all aimed at enhancing the students' understanding of mass spectrometry. The lectures cover the fundamental principles of mass spectrometry, including ion separation, ion production, detection and how data is converted into knowledge via various informatic-software approaches.
Special aspect of the program is the open-book exam developed around the lectures. While challenging, this format ensures that students leave with a deeper understanding of the subject. Those who score more than 50% may petition their home institutions for ETS credits, adding a formal educational benefit to their participation.
The MSBM Summer School's comprehensive program also featured a poster competition, where five students were selected to present their research in "lightning" talks. This interactive element allowed students to showcase their work and receive feedback from both peers and faculty.
Students from 12 countries and faculty of esteemed lecturers
This year's event saw participation from 32 students representing 12 countries including the UK, The Netherlands, Croatia, Switzerland, Serbia, France, Austria, Germany, USA, Belgium, Spain, and Slovakia. The faculty featured experts from the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden and Austria, ensuring a diverse and rich exchange of knowledge and ideas.
The summer school consistently attracts renowned experts in the field of mass spectrometry. This year's lecturers included Prof Jon Amster (University of Georgia) and Prof Facundo Fernandez (Georgia Institute of Technology) from the USA, Prof Anouk Rijs (Free University of Amsterdam) from the Netherlands, and Dr David Clarke (University of Edinburgh) from the UK. Each of these experts brought their specialized knowledge to the students, covering topics such as FTICR-MS analysis, ambient ionization, metabolomics, and the combination of mass spectrometry with spectroscopic methods.
A unique program of networking and social engagement
Beyond the academic programme, the MSBM Summer School provides an informal environment where students can interact directly with the faculty. Evening sessions over beer and pizza allow students to discuss the exam and receive guidance from the instructors, fostering a relaxed yet intellectually stimulating atmosphere.
Also, the summer school included a unique social program. While a professional walking tour of Dubrovnik is no longer feasible due to the city's high tourist traffic, participants received insider tips from the organizer’s 20 years’ worth of knowledge on the sights and sounds of the old town on exploring the historic city. A highlight of the social program was a Wednesday afternoon excursion to Lokrum Island where students and faculty engaged in a friendly volleyball game, relaxed, ate, and swam, further enhancing the camaraderie among participants.
The MSBM Summer School in Dubrovnik continues to be a vital event for students and professionals in the field of mass spectrometry. Founded by the renowned Croatian mass spectrometrist, Prof Jasna Peter-Katalinić, and organized by a dedicated committee, the school has educated approximately 1.000 students over the years. This annual gathering not only advances knowledge in mass spectrometry but also fosters a global network of professionals dedicated to the advancement of this crucial analytical science.