Metabolic Research Unit Maastricht (MRUM)

The Metabolic Research Unit Maastricht (MRUM) is a leading facility taking human energy and metabolism substrate research to the next level. With the increasing number of people with obesity and type II diabetes, the need for accurate research and precise studies into energy consumption, metabolism and other metabolic processes is also growing. 

MRUM plays a crucial role in this for nutritional, pharmaceutical and health-related research. With this facility, MRUM offers a unique environment for scientists and industry partners to collaborate on innovative projects addressing metabolic health challenges.

Eleven of the research rooms are flexible and can be adapted to different research demands, offering flexibility for various research setups. These include physical setups (such as beds, sports equipment or group interactions) and environmental settings (climate control, ventilation, overnight stays or interventions focused on circadian rhythms). 

The remaining nine rooms are specifically equipped for intensive exercise testing, body analysis (such as BodPod and underwater weighing) and long-term calorimetry studies for up to seven days in extended closed-rooms.

MRUM has twenty modern research rooms that meet the highest standards in terms of safety, climate control and research infrastructure. Advanced technologies allow both the environment and research equipment to be kept extremely stable and controlled. There is a separate technical room for sensitive equipment. 

A unique feature of MRUM is its five climate-controlled breathing rooms (respiration rooms). These rooms, similar to small hotel rooms (14 m³), are equipped with a bed, sink, toilet, computer, TV and DVD player. They allow measurement of energy consumption and metabolism under strictly controlled conditions ranging from 12 hours to seven days.