University of Helsinki strengthens national proteomics research with installation of new Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometers

Representatives from Thermo Fisher Scientific and the Helsinki Proteomics Center (University of Helsinki) celebrate the successful early‑August installation of the Orbitrap Astral Zoom—one of the first systems installed worldwide. (Image: Markku Varjosalo)

(IN BRIEF) The Helsinki Proteomics Center, a joint effort between HiLIFE’s Institute of Biotechnology and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki, is enhancing Finland’s proteomics research capacity with the installation of three Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Astral and Astral Zoom mass spectrometers, among the first deployed worldwide. Backed by Biocenter Finland and the Research Council of Finland, the initiative strengthens the nation’s position in translational medicine and structural biology. These state-of-the-art instruments will provide high-resolution, high-throughput analysis of diverse biological samples, enabling identification of thousands of proteins in a single run and supporting advanced structural proteomics techniques such as XL-MS. By leveraging Finland’s robust biobanks and patient registries, the new infrastructure will advance personalized medicine initiatives and accelerate the understanding of disease mechanisms. Full installation is planned for completion by summer 2025, reinforcing Finland’s role as a leader in life sciences research.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 26-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Helsinki Proteomics Center, a collaborative initiative between the Institute of Biotechnology (HiLIFE) and the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki, has unveiled a major upgrade to Finland’s proteomics infrastructure with the installation of three advanced Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap™ Astral™ and Astral Zoom™ mass spectrometers. The systems, among the first of their kind to be installed worldwide, were delivered in early August, marking a significant milestone in the country’s investment in cutting-edge life sciences research.

This national initiative, supported by Biocenter Finland and the Research Council of Finland, is designed to strengthen Finland’s global standing in translational and personalized medicine as well as structural biology. The Orbitrap Astral instruments represent a leap forward in proteomics, offering unmatched sensitivity, speed, and accuracy in protein analysis. They will allow researchers to examine a wide variety of biological materials—from individual cells and FFPE tissues to complex clinical specimens—delivering high-throughput, high-resolution data and enabling the identification of thousands of proteins in a single run.

Professor Markku Varjosalo, Director of the Helsinki Proteomics Center, highlighted the importance of the new capabilities: “This upgrade represents a transformative leap for Finland’s proteomics infrastructure. It allows us to explore the proteome at unprecedented depth and precision, driving advances across basic research and clinical science.”

As part of Biocenter Finland’s Protein-Proteome Network, the Helsinki Proteomics Center provides nationally coordinated services for proteomics and structural biology. The integration of the Orbitrap Astral instruments will expand the center’s ability to perform advanced structural proteomics, including cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS), which supports detailed mapping of protein structures and interactions.

Finland’s biomedical ecosystem, known for its comprehensive biobanks and extensive patient registries, is uniquely positioned to benefit from these technological advances. The new instruments will allow for detailed proteomic analysis of biobank samples, creating new opportunities to link genomic and clinical data in the study of disease. By combining cutting-edge analytical tools with existing national resources, the project aims to accelerate the development of personalized medicine approaches designed for the Finnish population.

The full installation of the Orbitrap Astral systems is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2025, with operations starting soon after. This investment demonstrates Finland’s continued commitment to equipping its scientific community with world-class research infrastructure and ensuring the country remains at the forefront of life sciences innovation.

Media Contacts:

Professor Markku Varjosalo
Scientific Director, Helsinki Proteomics Center
Email: markku.varjosalo@helsinki.fi
Phone: + 358 2941 59413

Dr. Salla Keskitalo
Director, Viikki Proteomics Unit
Email: salla.keskitalo@helsinki.fi
Phone: + 358 2941 559933

SOURCE: University of Helsinki