Genome sequencing initiated a new age in biology. Now, the emphasis is on the biological interpretation of the genome: zooming on the biological functioning of the gene-products, i.e. the proteins, emerging into a filed termed proteomics. Protein levels depend not only on mRNA levels, but also on translational controls & regulated degradation, making the measurement of expression at the protein level a prerequisite. The expression levels of all proteins, their modifications, localization and interactions, provide the most relevant single data set characterizing a biological system.The PRIME-XS consortium aims to provide state-of-the-art proteomics technologies to the European biological and biomedical research community. Its twelve partners, all leading in the field of proteomics, will provide access to their technology at six access facilities, distributed over Europe, will develop new technologies to better aid the research community in answering current day scientific questions, and will organize a wide range of meetings, courses and training events to disseminate their knowledge and expertise. Special emphasis will be placed on extending this knowledge to new member states of the European Union and other regions of Europe with less privileged availability of proteomics facilities.Access to the facilities will be advertised widely and will be open to all researchers in Europe, via an open, independently reviewed, online application system. Research proposals will be evaluated and, if selected, linked to an appropriate access facility.Many of the partners will be involved in research projects aiming at the development of new methods and tools to aid the access facilities and users. Results obtained will be communicated to both facility operators as well as user via publications, meetings and courses.Together with an industrial platform, users as well as other stakeholders, the consortium will also aim to provide the basis for a sustainable, Europe wide, proteomics community to maintain the high level of proteomics access and research, also beyond the duration of this project.