The Metabolic Profiling Forum was initiated in 2003 by Andy Nicholls (GSK), John Haselden (formerly GSK), Roy Goodacre (Liverpool University) and Jules Griffin (The Rowett Institute) to gather professionals in the United Kingdom to determine the standards which those engaged in metabolomics work should meet in both academic research and industrial projects. The MPF directors were instrumental in the Metabolomics Standards Initiative. Directors of the MPF continue to confer and set metabolomics standards as the field advances forward, increasing the level of assurance, and co-developed MetaboLights, the first international repository for metabolomics. The MPF keeps abreast of advances in instrumental capabilities and performance and of the latest research. Members of the MPF are active on the world metabolomics scene, with three directors having been chairs of the Metabolomics Society, the world-wide body representing metabolomics professionals. In 2003 the first Metabomeeting was organised by the MPF at King’s College, Cambridge, a regular conference known as a relaxed space to learn of the latest research and network.