The Metabolomics Platform is a joint research infrastructure created in 2007 to provide advanced technological and scientific support in metabolomics. It operates within the ecosystem of MIL@b – Metabolomics Interdisciplinary Laboratory and is integrated into CIBERDEM, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, and IRBCatSud.
Metabolomics is the comprehensive study of the metabolome—the complete set of small molecules present in a biological system—using high-throughput analytical technologies. This discipline enables the characterization of metabolic phenotypes and supports applications in biomarker discovery, disease mechanisms, and precision medicine.
The Platform’s mission is to function as an integrated laboratory supporting the full metabolomics workflow, from experimental design to biological interpretation. It serves academic, clinical, and industrial users, contributing to translational research in areas such as metabolic diseases, cancer, and systems biology.
The Platform is organized into two complementary nodes:
1. MIL@b – Metabolomics Interdisciplinary Laboratory; the School of Engineering (DEEEA) at Universitat Rovira i Virgili
Primary focus: Computational metabolomics, technology development.
2. The Scientific and Technical Resources Service (SRCiT) at Universitat Rovira i Virgili
Primary focus: Sample preparation and processing, analytical measurements.
3. IRBCatSud (Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus)
Primary focus: Data processing and analysis, metabolite identification, statistical analysis, report generation, clinical metabolomics, and translational research.
This dual-node structure ensures integration between technological & computational development, generation and processing of raw data, and biomedical application.
More information:
With the collaboration of:
The Platform offers end-to-end metabolomics services tailored to research and clinical needs:
Scientific Services
Technological Services
Training and Collaboration
The Platform provides access to state-of-the-art analytical and computational resources, including:
Mass spectrometry systems
These resources enable large-scale, high-resolution analysis of biological samples and complex datasets.
The Platform operates under a flexible fee-for-service model, with pricing adapted according to:
Mass spectrometry service fees follow the annual pricing approved by Universitat Rovira i Virgili.
Detailed quotations for computational and bioinformatics services are provided upon request to ensure alignment with specific project objectives, following the pricing approved by IRBCatSud:
The Platform is led by an interdisciplinary team of researchers and technical specialists combining expertise in chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, mass spectrometry, and computational biology.
Scientific coordinator: Oscar Yanes, PhD
Data scientist: Jordi Capellades, PhD
Mass spectrometry technician: Sònia Abelló
Mass spectrometry technician: Sandra Junza
Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus
Planta 0. Secció de Color Taronja
Avda. Josep Laporte, 4
43204 Reus
Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria (ETSE) URV
Dept. Eng. Electrònica, Elèctrica i Automàtica
Avinguda Països Catalans 26 43007 Tarragona
Contact: Óscar Yanes
A/E: metabolomica@irbcatsud.cat
Tel.: +0034 977 759 397 / 977 770 958
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The Statistical Support Platform is a cross-cutting platform for statistical support to researchers that offers a support and advice service in all phases of the development of a research project: methodology, design, analysis and publication.
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Bioinformatics service available to all IRB CatSud professionals.
The Cell Culture Platform is a technical and scientific support unit that offers support to research groups, both internal and external to the IRB CatSud, providing them with the appropriate facilities and equipment for the cultivation, maintenance and execution of bioassays with eukaryotic cells.
The Statistical Support Platform is a cross-cutting platform for statistical support to researchers that offers a support and advice service in all phases of the development of a research project: methodology, design, analysis and publication.
The Clinical Pharmacy Department is a central clinical support service with its own activities and support for the other healthcare services of the ICS Camp de Tarragona.
Bioinformatics service available to all IRB CatSud professionals.