A two-day KLS Baltic Alliances workshop in Riga brought together early-career researchers for practical training in metagenomics and metabolic modelling.
How can microbiome data help researchers understand the role of microorganisms in health and disease? This question was central to the workshop “Metagenomics and Metabolic Modelling for Clinical Microbiome Research”, held on 17 and 18 September in the Latvian capital Riga. Organised by researchers from Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, in cooperation with National Institute of Research and Innovation (NIRI), the event brought together 20 participants for two days of lectures, practical exercises and scientific exchange. The workshop was funded by Kiel University’s priority research area Kiel Life Science (KLS) as part of its Baltic Alliances initiative, which strengthens scientific cooperation with partner institutions across the Baltic Sea region. It was the first KLS Baltic Alliances workshop held in Riga.
From microbial genes to metabolic predictions
Metagenomics allows researchers to identify microorganisms and their genes in a sample. Metabolic modelling uses this information to predict which substances microorganisms could consume or produce and how they might interact. Together, these approaches help researchers investigate the functional potential of microbial communities and develop hypotheses for experimental and clinical studies. Participants, most of whom were based in Latvia, practised analysing microbiome sequencing data and building metabolic models. The programme covered metabolic networks, microbial community modelling and simulations of community metabolism.
Practical sessions also provided opportunities to discuss data-analysis challenges and exchange experience. The workshop was planned and organised by Karlis Moors and Lena Best, members of the Medical Systems Biology research group led by Professor Christoph Kaleta at the Institute of Experimental Medicine at Kiel University and UKSH, Campus Kiel. “We want to build a shared methodological foundation for our joint research and give early-career researchers opportunities to learn from one another,” says Moors. “The workshop brought colleagues together to work through practical challenges and explore how these methods could support their own research.”
Building on an existing clinical research collaboration
The workshop builds on a collaboration established in late 2024 between the Kiel researchers and colleagues in Riga, including Dr Monta Brīvība, now head of the Genome Centre at NIRI, and Dr Liene Smane of the Children’s Clinical University Hospital (BKUS). Together, the teams are analysing microbiome samples collected over time from children with cancer, combining metagenomic analysis with metabolic modelling. The organisers aim to build on the workshop through further joint training and continued scientific exchange between Kiel and Riga.
Information published 21.09.2026