ISC 2024: An Interview with Bram Huygens

During the 34th International Symposium on Chromatography, which takes place from October 6–10, 2024 in Liverpool, UK, various scientists are honored for their contributions to the analytical chemistry community. This year, LCGC International was honored to present Bram Huygens with our Rising Stars of Separation Science Award for Outstanding Achievement in Liquid Chromatography, sponsored by Advanced Materials Technology.

Huygens is a postdoctoral researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium, where he specializes in modeling band broadening in chromatographic separations. His research focuses on developing a deeper understanding of the factors influencing separation efficiency by using advanced mathematical techniques to analyze mass transfer phenomena.

His work spans a diverse range of chromatographic technologies, from traditional packed bed columns to emerging multicapillary columns, illustrating the broad applicability of his research. Huygens’ insights are valuable not only for improving existing technologies but also for guiding the development of new and innovative separation methods.

Huygens’ work also highlights the power of applied mathematics in addressing complex problems within the field of separation science. By breaking down intricate mass transfer processes into solvable mathematical models, he is advancing the theoretical framework that underpins the discipline, equation by equation. His contributions not only expand the fundamental understanding of chromatographic separations but also demonstrate the critical role of mathematical modelling in driving scientific innovation.

As part of our conference coverage, we sat down with Huygens to learn more about his background and what drives his interest in analytical chemistry.

In this interview, we asked the following questions:

• Congratulations on winning the Rising Stars of Separation Science Award for Liquid Chromatography! When did you first encounter chromatography?
• Can you tell us more about your Ph.D. thesis?
• Who has inspired you throughout your career?
• Which of your recent works are you eager to develop further?
• What other developments in the field of separation science fascinate you?
• What is your view on the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field?
• What is your favourite scientific paper?
• How do you combine your research with teaching?

For more details about Huygens' award, click here. To see more interviews from ISC 2024, check out our recent interviews with Amarande Murisier and Alexandre Goyon.