Shaping a World of Chromatography

From October 6-10, 2024, analytical scientists from around the world converged in Liverpool in the United Kingdom (U.K.), for the 34th International Symposium on Chromatography (ISC).

Most well known as where the Beatles got their start, Liverpool has helped to propel the careers of many aspiring artists and intellectuals. Ripe with opportunity for creativity and advancement, the city was a fitting location for ISC’s 2024 theme: “Imagine a World of Chromatography.”

From applications in environmental and food analysis, to pharmaceuticals and forensics, the world is already filled with chromatography. The technology has had a transformative impact on science over the last century.

“As a chromatographer, you should be very, very proud, because we underpin so much of what is going on around us,” said symposium chair Tony Edge during the ISC opening ceremony. “As the river flows, it touches many places.”

There’s no question that the world needs more scientists who are proficient with essential techniques like gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC). But research, as a profession, has a retention issue. A recent study found that 50% of researchers quit science within a decade. One-third quit within five years of authoring their first paper. Women are more likely to leave the industry then men.

What’s more, priorities in industry and academia have shifted in recent years, with heavier focuses on publishing at academic institutions and cost cutting measures at companies, said John Warner, during his plenary lecture at ISC.

“Academia has fallen in love with the metrics of publication. Simultaneously, industry is cutting R&D due to cost considerations over the last couple of decades,” he said.

This has all contributed to challenges with gaining, and retaining, top scientific talent that is needed to help solve complex problems in climate change and the long-term impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). That’s why it’s important to prioritize and foster growth in the next generation of scientists, Warner said.

“We must teach the next generation,” Warner said. “None of this can happen without the invention of new sustainable separation technologies.”

This spirit of mentorship was a key theme throughout ISC 2024. Attendees not only had the opportunity to learn about the latest breakthroughs in chromatography but also to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of the field. Panels, workshops, and informal discussions all centered around the idea that the challenges facing society—whether in environmental sustainability, healthcare, or forensic science—require new approaches and fresh perspectives. The involvement of emerging scientists is this mission, bringing enthusiasm, curiosity, and innovative ideas to tackle complex global issues.

With this goal in mind, ISC 2024 marked the inaugural year of LCGC International’s Rising Stars in Separation Science event. The goal was to bring the chromatography community together to celebrate the work of its emerging leaders. Celebrating the work of talented early-career scientists who are doing important research in LC, GC, pharmaceutical, and biopharmaceutical analysis. This year’s winners included Caitlin Cain of the University of Michigan for GC, Bram Huygens of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel for LC, Amarande Murisier of Merck for biopharmaceutical analysis, and Alexandre Goyon of Genentech for pharmaceutical analysis.

Each emerging leader presented their research during a session at the event, followed by a celebration at the famous Cavern Club. The four rising stars winners took the same stage as acts including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who, Elton John, Queen, and Adele to accept their awards in front of a room of their colleagues, mentors, families, and friends.

Many individuals dedicated their precious time to help make Rising Stars possible, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to supporting emerging talent and fostering a sense of community. Their efforts highlight the power of collaboration and the shared belief in nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators.

From left to right: Gert Desmet, John Langley, Bram Huygens, Amarande Murisier, Caitlin Cain, Alexandre Goyon, Caroline West, and Simone Dimartino.

The success of the Rising Stars event was not just a celebration of individual achievements but a testament to the collective effort of the entire chromatography community. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the dedication of their peers and the shared goal of advancing the field through innovation and inclusion. This sense of unity and purpose carried through the remainder of the symposium, fueling discussions about the future of chromatography and the role of emerging scientists in shaping it.

As the symposium ended, there was a palpable sense of optimism in the air. The chromatography community, with its rich history and deep expertise, had once again reaffirmed its commitment to driving progress.