This was the fifth time that the German Diabetes Center (DDZ), a partner in the DZD, has offered a Protein Rainbow Workshop. The workshop, organized in collaboration with the Bruker Daltonik company, Bremen, combines scientific and technical lectures in the field of bioanalytics with an extensive practical workshop section. Under the motto “MALDI Mass Spectrometry – One Thousand and One Application”, the focus this year was on mass spectrometry, a method for the analysis of target biomolecules.
During an afternoon of scientific lectures, five speakers presented the basic principles and applications of modern bioanalytics. The Rainbow Lecture was held by Professor Jens Habermann, Translational Surgical Oncology and Biobanking, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein. In the practical part of the workshop, the twelve young researchers were able to analyze their own samples and, under professional guidance, tried out working with the new techniques. In addition to practical tips and instructions regarding sample preparation, the participants received comprehensive information about protein analysis with a mass spectrometer.

"Here everyone can participate"
The response of the participants to the event was very positive. “It was brilliant and our expectations were more than met," said Anna Hanuszkiewicz, a workshop participant from Poland who currently works in Ireland investigating proteins from bacterial cultures. The practical nature of the workshop in small groups attracted her to Düsseldorf. “I wanted to learn how to work with the mass spectrometer in the lab. Here everyone can participate." For the first time a young woman scientist from Egypt also took part. “I saw the workshop on the Internet. I came to Germany to gain insight into the latest techniques and to acquaint myself with European research standards,” Nahla Hussein said.
The Rainbow Workshop is aimed at young international scientists and has taken place annually since 2009 at the Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry of the DDZ. Dr. Stefan Lehrand is responsible for the organization of the workshops, along with the participation of the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) and the German Society for Proteome Research. The workshops focus on various bioanalytical topics.