NUTRIM Infrastructure

Metabolic Research Unit Maastricht (MRUM)

The NUTRIM Metabolic Research Unit Maastricht (MRUM) provides high end infrastructure for studying human energy metabolism. MRUM is a leading facility taking translational human studies on energy and metabolism substrate research to the next level. 

MRUM features 20 state-of-the-art research rooms that meet the highest safety and climate control standards. A standout feature is its five climate-controlled respiration rooms, designed like compact hotel rooms. These multi-purpose, high-tech spaces enable precise metabolic measurements, including indirect calorimetry and substrate oxidation analysis and human performance measurements.

As the prevalence of obesity and type II diabetes rapidly increases, so does the demand for highly precise studies in the field of energy expenditure, substrate utilization and other in-vivo metabolism parameters. These studies are of the greatest interest for nutritional, pharmaceutical and other health-related metabolic research.

NUTRIM Clinical Research Unit (CRU)

The NUTRIM Clinical Research Unit (CRU) is a dedicated infrastructure facility for patient-oriented research in nutrition, metabolism, and exercise. Located within Maastricht UMC+, the CRU connects scientific research directly with clinical practice, enabling studies that support recovery, optimize treatment, and improve patient outcomes.

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the CRU allows researchers to measure metabolism, body composition, physical capacity, and activity in a single, integrated setting. This centralised approach ensures efficiency, immediate access to medical supervision, and on-site processing of biological samples.

As part of NUTRIM’s broader metabolic research infrastructure, the CRU facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, clinicians, and healthcare professionals. Its strong clinical embedding accelerates the translation of research findings into practice. Importantly, the CRU is open to both internal and external researchers, offering access to advanced equipment and expertise for collaborative studies in areas such as cancer, diabetes, COPD, and other chronic conditions.

Maastricht Human Performance Lab

The Maastricht Human Performance Lab is a joint research infrastructure established by NUTRIM (FHML) and Maastricht UMC+. Under this umbrella, three complementary facilities have been brought together to link research, clinical practice and innovation in the field of human movement.

Metabolic Imaging Facilities

NUTRIM benefits from access to state-of-the-art imaging infrastructure through the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at Maastricht UMC+ and Scannexus. Together, these facilities provide advanced imaging technologies that support cutting-edge clinical, translational and fundamental research in metabolism, nutrition and health.

Microbial Profiling

Microbial profiling supports clinical research by providing the microbiome and multi-omics expertise needed to generate robust, clinically relevant data from patient samples. It helps researchers connect microbial composition and function to disease mechanisms, biomarkers, and treatment response.

Stable Isotope Research Centre (SIRC)

SIRC is a joint initiative of NUTRIM and Maastricht UMC+, offering expertise and infrastructure for metabolic research. 

Stable isotope tracers provide a safe and powerful tool to investigate carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism in vivo in humans. A stable isotope tracer is made by labelling a molecule (e.g., glucose, free fatty acid, or amino acids) with one or more atoms to make it distinct from the naturally occurring molecule (tracee) to allow its detection. 

SIRC supports researchers in applying stable isotope methodologies to nutritional, physiological, and clinical studies. By combining advanced analytics with expert guidance, SIRC helps researchers uncover mechanisms of disease, evaluate interventions, and accelerate the development of targeted therapies. The SIRC is equipped with 3 Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and 2 Gas Chromatography-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC-IRMS) units.

Breathomics Facilities

Breathomics uses exhaled breath to study volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other biomarkers linked to metabolism and disease. These compounds provide insight into biological processes and may help identify biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring.