Research for accurate measurements Thomas Naake is the new professor for the standardisation of biomolecular measurements
Thomas Naake’s appointment was made in cooperation with the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), thus bringing together two strong research institutions. At the Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), he conducts research on highly topical issues together with partners from the fields of medicine, biology and computer science. In this interview, he provides insights into his scientific career, his main areas of research and his motivation for choosing TU Braunschweig.
Why did you choose TU Braunschweig?
Prof. Thomas Naake. Photo credits: Kristina Rottig/TU Braunschweig
My professorship at TU Braunschweig came about as part of a joint appointment with the PTB. It is embedded in a unique research environment characterised by close institutional cooperation and exchange. My workplace is at BRICS, an interdisciplinary research centre where working groups from TU Braunschweig, the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (DSMZ), PTB and Hannover Medical School collaborate.
What made the decision to come to Braunschweig particularly attractive was the combination of excellent research in the field of metrology at PTB and BRICS’ focus on metabolism research, i.e. the study of biochemical processes involved in metabolism. At BRICS, numerous renowned groups are working on highly topical issues, both experimentally and bioinformatically. I consider it a great advantage to be able to conduct research in such a dynamic and cooperative environment – both for my own work and in terms of interdisciplinary collaboration.
What exactly do you do in your research?
The focus is on the development and application of bioinformatic, i.e. computer-assisted, methods for the more precise evaluation of mass spectrometric data. Mass spectrometry is a highly sensitive measurement method that can be used to identify and quantify molecules. In biomedicine, for example, it is used to determine so-called biomarkers – molecules such as proteins or metabolites that can provide clues about diseases and their progression.
This technology will play an increasingly central role in the early detection of diseases and in supporting treatment decisions. For this to work reliably, computer-assisted methods are needed that can evaluate, compare and interpret large amounts of data – this is exactly where my research comes in.
What research areas and projects will you be working on at TU Braunschweig?
My group focuses on computer-assisted metabolomics and proteomics, i.e. the analysis of a large number of metabolites and proteins using data-driven methods. Among other things, we use and develop approaches from the fields of statistics and machine learning to improve the comparability, reproducibility and interoperability of mass spectrometry data, for example to ensure that the measurement results from different laboratories or studies remain meaningful and consistent.
At the same time, I work with colleagues in Braunschweig, throughout Germany and internationally on specific biological and medical issues. These include projects in cancer research and collaborations in plant sciences.
What motivated you to conduct research in this field?
I came into contact with mass spectrometry rather by chance during my studies. In my master’s thesis, during my doctorate and later as a postdoc, the focus shifted increasingly to the computer-assisted evaluation of mass spectrometry data and the development of corresponding analysis tools. I was quickly fascinated by the complexity and possibilities of this technology. What I find particularly appealing is the interdisciplinary nature of this field of research: it combines biological questions with data-driven solutions.
How would you describe your daily work in three keywords?
Developing, coordinating, communicating.
Author: Dr. Lea Hülsen