The Netherlands Proteomics Centre (NPC) was founded in 2003 and is coordinated by the Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry group at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. It is is a strategic collaboration of research groups from six Dutch universities, three academic medical centres and several biotech companies.The NPC aims to bring coherence and collaboration in proteomics research in the Netherlands. In addition, the NPC strives to be recognised as an outstanding international partner in proteomics research in Europe and beyond. The NPC improves, develops and spreads fundamental technological tools in proteomics and proteomics-related bioinformatics research. These tools are made available to the biological and biomedical research communities at large by transferring our knowledge in a well-organised way. With these new tools proteomics research contributes to a better understanding of processes of health and disease. It will pave the way for a new generation of means to intervene in undesired life processes and prevent their occurrence.