In this episode of ‪ChromatographyTalk‬, ‪Organomation‬ General Manager David Oliva sits down with Imad Haidar Ahmad, Scientific Research Director at Amgen leading separations for Discovery Chemistry and Externalization. Imad's career spans Novartis, Merck, and now Amgen, and his research on computer-assisted method development has landed multiple front covers in Analytical Chemistry.We dig into how his group builds retention models from as few as nine lab experiments to map an entire separation landscape — replacing weeks of trial and error with a resolution map you can query and rebuild from. Imad breaks down where this modeling approach struggles (large molecules, SFC, fully autonomous method development), walks through two-dimensional liquid chromatography in plain terms for anyone who's only worked in 1D, and shares the story behind his group's greenness-score mapping work — including where swapping acetonitrile for methanol worked, and where it didn't.We also talk career advice: what a typical day looks like leading a discovery-stage separations team, how undergrad and grad students can bridge the academia-to-industry gap, and what Imad sees as the field's biggest unsolved problem.<h3>Video Transcription</h3>Chromatographic method development is increasingly moving beyond trial and error toward workflows built on modeling, automation, multidimensional separations, and smarter use of data. In a recent interview, Haidar Ahmad discussed how these approaches are changing pharmaceutical analysis, why understanding the fundamentals of chromatography remains essential, and where some of the biggest opportunities in separation science still lie.Ahmad’s route into analytical chemistry was not entirely planned. As an undergraduate, he initially found inorganic and organic chemistry particularly attractive, but a final-year project focused on the analysis of additives in bread introduced him to the possibilities of analytical chemistry. During his PhD, his research moved into polymer analysis and structure–property relationships. His interest in chromatography deepened when he encountered two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC), particularly its ability to reveal forms of polymer heterogeneity that could not be adequately characterized using a single separation technique. This eventually led to postdoctoral work with Peter Carr, where Ahmad focused on chromatographic separations and the fundamentals of chromatography.His subsequent career in the pharmaceutical industry exposed him to different stages of drug development, from late-stage method development and validation to drug substance characterization, purification, and finally discovery-stage separations. That breadth of experience has shaped his view of chromatography as both a scientific discipline and a practical problem-solving tool. In late-stage development, the objective may be a highly robust method capable of successful validation and transfer between laboratories. In discovery, by contrast, speed becomes critical because teams may be working with thousands of molecules while trying to identify the best candidates to advance.&nbsp;<h4>Discovery-stage chromatography: speed, prioritization, and throughput</h4>For a separations team supporting drug discovery, the working day is shaped by a constant flow of requests from medicinal chemistry and other partner groups. The challenge is not simply to perform the analyses, but to decide which requests are most urgent, remove bottlenecks, communicate with project teams, and continuously improve existing workflows.According to Ahmad, one of the most important questions is whether a task can be done faster or in a more high-throughput way. Discovery laboratories operate under strong time pressure, and efficiency therefore becomes part of the scientific strategy rather than merely an operational concern. As he describes it, the work combines science, prioritization, leadership, and communication, all with the aim of moving the most important projects forward as quickly as possible.<h4>In silico modeling: letting the computer perform the experiments</h4>One of the central themes of Ahmad’s work is in silico chromatographic modeling. In practical terms, the approach begins with a carefully designed set of laboratory experiments—often around nine runs. The resulting data are fed into software that builds retention models describing how analyte retention changes with variables such as mobile-phase composition and temperature.The software can then generate a resolution map representing a much larger separation space than could realistically be tested experimentally. Instead of running dozens or hundreds of conditions by trial and error, the analyst can identify regions where critical peak pairs are predicted to achieve the best separation.For Ahmad, the value of these maps goes beyond simply finding the condition with the highest resolution. Each point on the map represents a chromatographic condition, while the visual output shows where poor and strong separations are expected. A broad region of good resolution is particularly useful because it points toward a more robust operating space rather than a narrowly defined optimum that might be sensitive to small variations in experimental conditions.He therefore prefers to think of a chromatographic model as a map or database, rather than simply an optimization tool. If an impurity later disappears from the process, the corresponding peak can be removed from the model and new conditions selected without repeating the complete experimental study. Conversely, if a new degradation product appears during stability studies, the peak can be added and the existing model used to search for updated separation conditions.<h4>Why trial and error still has a place</h4>Modeling does not mean that conventional trial-and-error method development has disappeared. Ahmad points out that it remains useful in early discovery, particularly for fit-for-purpose methods where speed is more important than achieving a fully optimized separation.The situation changes later in development. A method intended for validation, transfer, or long-term routine use carries much greater risk. Trial and error may identify a condition that appears satisfactory without revealing whether it represents the most robust region of the separation space. If that method later fails during transfer or routine operation, the consequences can be costly.For late-stage methods, the additional investment required to build a model can therefore reduce risk over the much longer lifetime of the analytical procedure.<h4>Models are only as good as the experiments behind them</h4>Chromatographic modeling is not automatic proof against poor method development. Ahmad compares the technology to a GPS: it is highly useful, but only if the analyst understands where they are trying to go.Careful experimental design remains essential. Incorrect dwell-volume or column-volume information, as well as insufficient column re-equilibration, can produce misleading predictions. Importantly, these problems may not be obvious when the experimental runs used to construct the model are compared with their calculated values. They may emerge only when the software begins predicting new conditions within the modeled design space.Modeling is also easier for some separations than others. Ahmad describes reversed-phase LC of small molecules as comparatively straightforward, while large biomolecules are more challenging because their retention can be highly sensitive to small changes in mobile-phase composition and temperature.Other separation modes present additional difficulties. Ahmad notes that his teams have found supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) particularly challenging to model successfully. Fully autonomous method development remains another unresolved goal: current tools can automate parts of optimization, but analyst input is still required.<h4>Why two dimensions can reveal what one dimension cannot</h4>Ahmad’s early interest in 2D-LC came from polymer characterization. He explains the principle simply: one-dimensional chromatography may answer one question about a sample, while two complementary dimensions can answer two.Two copolymers, for example, may have similar molecular size and therefore coelute in size-exclusion chromatography. A second separation mechanism based on interaction with a stationary phase may distinguish them according to chemical composition. Combining both dimensions provides a more complete description of complex distributions involving molecular weight, composition, sequence, and other forms of heterogeneity.Historically, the complexity of both instrumentation and software limited wider adoption of 2D-LC. Ahmad recalls systems requiring several computers and multiple software packages. That situation has improved substantially, and 2D-LC is now easier to implement across research and pharmaceutical development.Nevertheless, modeling multidimensional separations still presents challenges. While models can be built for individual fractions or dimensions, current software does not easily identify a common optimum across multiple models simultaneously. Much of this comparison still requires manual work.<h4>Bringing sustainability into method development</h4>Another area where Ahmad sees room for change is green analytical chemistry.Traditional pharmaceutical method development has understandably prioritized resolution, sensitivity, robustness, and turnaround time. Sustainability has often been treated as a secondary consideration, particularly at the analytical scale, where solvent use appears small compared with preparative chromatography or manufacturing.That mindset is beginning to change. Ahmad argues that greenness metrics should increasingly be incorporated directly into method-development software. If analysts could immediately see how changes in flow rate, gradient conditions, solvent choice, or other parameters affect the environmental profile of a method, sustainability could become part of routine optimization rather than an assessment performed after the method has already been developed.The objective, however, is not to pursue the greenest possible method regardless of analytical performance. Ahmad emphasizes the need to develop methods that are as green as possible while remaining fit for purpose. Modeling can potentially help balance these competing requirements by identifying conditions that preserve separation performance while allowing greener solvents or alternative chromatographic conditions to be introduced.<h4>Advice for young chromatographers: do not treat HPLC as a black box</h4>For students learning chromatography, Ahmad’s central recommendation is straightforward: do not treat the HPLC system as a black box.Rather than collecting chromatograms by making random changes, he encourages analysts to build a mental model of the separation. When temperature, gradient, or another parameter is changed, they should ask why retention or selectivity changed and use each experiment to improve their understanding of the system.He also recommends making use of educational resources on chromatographic fundamentals and method development and, importantly, not being afraid to experiment with instrument conditions. Modern systems are robust, but the analyst still needs to understand the underlying separation science in order to use them effectively.The same proactive attitude applies to career development. Ahmad strongly encourages students to seek industry internships and make connections beyond their own institutions. Conferences and poster sessions can provide natural opportunities to meet scientists from industry, discuss research, and ask about internship opportunities. Based on his own experience working with undergraduate and graduate interns, these collaborations can benefit both students and research teams and may strongly influence later academic or career decisions.<h4>What still needs to be solved?</h4>Asked about the biggest unresolved challenges in separation science, Ahmad does not begin with technology. Instead, he points to a shortage of well-trained analytical chemists with a strong understanding of chromatographic fundamentals.Alongside education, he identifies several technical opportunities. One is truly autonomous method development, where an instrument and software could optimize a separation without continuous analyst input. Another is the ability to predict chromatographic selectivity directly from molecular structure.Such capability could be especially valuable in high-throughput discovery environments. If a laboratory could predict which stationary phase and conditions were most likely to separate a particular set of compounds or isomers before entering the laboratory, method development could become considerably faster and more efficient.Taken together, Ahmad’s perspective points toward a future in which chromatography becomes increasingly model-driven, automated, multidimensional, and sustainability-aware. But the technology does not eliminate the need for chromatographic knowledge. On the contrary, as analytical tools become more powerful, understanding the fundamentals may become even more important—the software can explore the separation space, but the scientist still needs to know what question to ask and how to interpret the answer.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</blockquote><blockquote><h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

 In Silico Modeling, 2D-LC & Green Chromatography: Imad Ahmad on the Future of Method Development

Researchers from CATRIN at Palacký University, together with colleagues from VSB – Technical University of Ostrava and Charles University, have developed a new graphene ink for producing inexpensive and sensitive printed sensors. Using single-atom engineering, they incorporated copper atoms into the material, enabling highly sensitive detection of dopamine – a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells. The approach, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.76796">presented in the journal Advanced Science</a>, has strong potential for use in medical diagnostics.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_8a02ad6a66.webp" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_8a02ad6a66.webp 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="2560">Single-atom engineering makes it possible to control the chemical reactivity of materials at the level of individual atoms. Its broader application in medical diagnostics has so far been limited by a lack of atomically engineered materials and printable inks based on them. Researchers have now developed a new class of single-atom-doped graphene materials as well as an ink for producing sensitive printed sensors. Copper proved particularly effective for dopamine detection, which is important for biomedical research and the development of advanced diagnostic technologies for diseases including Alzheimer’s disease.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_2_97e419f039.webp" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_2_97e419f039.webp 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="2560">“The NGA-Cu ink we developed enables the production of fully inkjet-printed, sustainable paper-based electrodes at very low cost. Each sensor requires only 1.3 micrograms of active ink, costs approximately one Czech koruna and provided a stable response for at least three months. The ink is also fully compatible with commonly available materials inkjet printers. This creates significant potential for producing affordable, digitally designed sensors whose function can be tailored atom by atom,” said&nbsp;the corresponding author of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.76796">paper</a> Michal Otyepka.The basis for this new generation of single-atom inks was nitrogen-doped graphene acid (NGA), which CATRIN researchers developed several years ago. They have now progressively enriched it with different individual metal atoms, including copper, iron and manganese.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_3_c15d831792.webp" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_3_c15d831792.webp 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="2560">“We found that the electrochemical response depends fundamentally on the type of atom used. While copper atoms significantly enhance the dopamine signal, other metals suppress it. What matters, therefore, is not only the presence of isolated metal atoms but also the specific metal involved. This is a very important finding for the further development of biosensors,” explained first author Martin-Alex Nalepa.The published results introduce a new class of sensing materials with considerable potential for medical diagnostics. The researchers present a broadly applicable platform for developing graphene inks containing individual metal atoms and open the way towards scalable, reproducible and material-efficient production of advanced electrochemical sensors.&nbsp;“We are only at the beginning and are fascinated by the new possibilities opening up before us. We can see that by changing the type of atom, we can control the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor. In addition to dopamine, we can also determine immunoglobulins very precisely – antibodies whose levels and types may serve as important indicators of autoimmune or infectious diseases,” emphasised Radek Zbořil, a co-author of the paper.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_4_273cd760a5.webp" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_4_273cd760a5.webp 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="2560">Electrochemical biosensors can find applications not only in medicine but also in food quality control, drinking-water monitoring and environmental pollution monitoring. Their key components are functionalised electrodes, and graphene-based materials have proved particularly suitable for their production. A key factor in the success of the Olomouc researchers was the targeted preparation of graphene ink with the required properties.The research was supported by the TECHSCALE project under the Johannes Amos Comenius Programme.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_5_b1778f77f2.jpg" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics: Project TECHSCALE (No. CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004587) is financed by the MEYS OP JAC Excellent research programme, supported by ERDF/ESF." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_5_b1778f77f2.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="620" height="87"><blockquote><h4>Article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.76796">Single-Atom-Enhanced Fully Inkjet-Printed Electrochemical Sensor for Dopamine Detection</a></h4>Martin-Alex Nalepa, David Panáček, Vítězslav Hrubý, Matěj Jendřišák, Rostislav Langer, Michal Langer, Petr Jakubec, Ivan Dědek, Vojtěch Kupka, Michal Mazur, Radek Zbořil, Michal OtyepkaAdv. Sci., 2026, e76796<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.76796">https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.76796</a><h6>licenced under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote><h4>Abstract</h4>Single-atom (SA) engineering offers atomic-level control over interfacial reactivity, yet the lack of printable SA-based inks hinders its practical translation into electrochemical sensing. Here, a fully water-based inkjet-printable ink is introduced based on nitrogen-doped graphene acid (NGA) hosting atomically dispersed Cu centers (NGA-Cu-ink). The ink enables digitally controlled, spatially defined deposition and fabrication of low-cost ($0.04 per sensor), fully inkjet-printed sustainable electrodes on paper. A comparison of NGA functionalized with different SA dopants (Cu, Mn, Fe, Ce) identifies a strong dopant-dependent electrochemical response, with Cu uniquely enhancing the analyte signal while other dopants suppress it, demonstrating that SA identity is a decisive design parameter in printed sensing interfaces profiling sensitivity and selectivity. The functional role of the NGA support is to provide dense anchoring sites (nitrogen and carboxylate groups) that stabilize atomically dispersed metal centers and create adsorption- and electron-transfer–active microenvironments. The NGA-Cu-ink yields enhanced dopamine oxidation, enabling quantitative detection on fully printed devices (limit of detection 9.7 µM; linear range 50–400 µM) and printed-on-electrode platforms (10.6 µM), while maintaining &lt;10% signal variation over 11 weeks. The approach establishes a general route to single-atom graphene-based inks for scalable, reproducible, and low-material-consumption manufacturing of advanced electrochemical sensors.

Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics

<div><div>Accurately predicting NMR chemical shifts remains difficult for protons that can exchange with their environment in solution. These protons are covalently bound to electronegative atoms in hydroxyl (-OH), amine (-NH), and thiol (-SH) group. Their NMR signals are highly sensitive to hydrogen bonding, interactions with the solvent, and the continuous motion of molecules. Conventional DFT calculations typically treat the solvent in a simplified manner, often overlooking important interactions between dissolved molecules and their surroundings. A new computational approach developed by scientists led by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://nmr.group.uochb.cz/en">Martin Dračínský</a> from IOCB Prague addresses this problem by combining machine-learning (ML) molecular dynamics (MD) with ShiftML3, a machine-learning model for rapid prediction of NMR shielding.</div></div><div>The method first uses ML-based molecular dynamics to generate realistic ensemble of molecular structures in solution, capturing the constantly changing hydrogen-bonding patterns. ShiftML3 then predicts the chemical shifts for each configuration within fractions of a second. Although the model was originally developed for molecular solids, it also performs remarkably well in solutions. In molecular crystals, molecules are surrounded by close neighbors and experience a wide variety of intermolecular contacts, many of which closely resemble the interactions found in liquids.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/IOCB_Prague_Accurate_NMR_chemical_shifts_through_machine_learned_dynamics_2_a5e7404cff.webp" alt="IOCB Prague: Accurate NMR chemical shifts through machine-learned dynamics: A new computational approach developed by scientists led by Martin Dračínský from IOCB Prague addresses addresses often overlooked issues with simplified conventional DFT calculations. Nat. Commun. 2026, 17, 8842." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_IOCB_Prague_Accurate_NMR_chemical_shifts_through_machine_learned_dynamics_2_a5e7404cff.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1620" height="911">The researchers validated the approach on chemically diverse systems, including water in organic solvents, alcohols, hydrogen-bonded nucleobases, glucose anomers, and alkylated acetamides. In all cases, the combination of ML-based molecular dynamics and ShiftML3 reproduced experimental chemical shifts with high accuracy, especially for exchangeable protons in OH and NH groups, whose signals are particularly sensitive to their local environment.The results show that combining ML-based molecular dynamics with rapid NMR chemical-shift prediction can substantially improve the accuracy of calculations for flexible and hydrogen-bonded molecules in solutions. The main advantage of the framework is that it can evaluate hundreds or thousands of solvent configurations without requiring an expensive quantum-mechanical calculation for each one. This opens the way to faster and more reliable prediction of NMR spectra, with potential applications in signal assignment, molecular structure determination and structural validation.<blockquote><h4>The original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-75743-w">Quantitative Prediction of Exchangeable Proton Chemical Shifts</a></h4>Ondřej Socha, Jana Pavlišová, Debashree Manna &amp; Martin DračínskýNat. Commun., 2026, 17, 8842<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-75743-w">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-75743-w</a>&nbsp;<h6>licenced under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote><h4>Abstract</h4>Accurately predicting NMR chemical shifts of exchangeable protons in solution remains challenging because of the combined influence of solute–solvent interactions and molecular dynamics. We introduce a framework that integrates machine-learning molecular dynamics (ML-MD) with the ShiftML3 machine-learning shielding model for rapid and accurate prediction of NMR spectra in solvated molecules. Although originally developed for solids, ShiftML3 effectively captures intermolecular contributions to shielding in solution. We validate the method across a range of chemically diverse systems, including water in organic solvents, solvated alcohols, hydrogen-bonded nucleobases, glucose anomers, and alkylated acetamides. The ML-MD + ShiftML3 framework reproduces experimentally observed chemical shifts of exchangeable protons with near-quantitative accuracy, resolving subtle hydrogen-bonding and conformational effects that implicit-solvent DFT fails to capture. These results establish ML-MD + ShiftML3 as a transferable and computationally efficient way of incorporating solvation and dynamics into NMR spectroscopy, enabling realistic chemical shift predictions for flexible, hydrogen-bonded, and complex molecular systems.</div>

Accurate NMR chemical shifts through machine-learned dynamics

Article

Scientists

Interview

Science and research

Video

The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) is a leading scientific institution in the Czech Republic, recognized internationally. Its primary mission is basic research in the fields of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and material oriented chemistry, chemistry of natural compounds, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. 

Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences

The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University is a cutting-edge scientific hub dedicated to advancing research in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and biomedicine. At its core, CATRIN boasts outstanding scientific teams, featuring international researchers. We emphasize interdisciplinarity, foster global collaborations, and work to translate our research findings into practical applications.

CATRIN

Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

Organomation

Metrohm

Mettler-Toledo

Agilent Technologies

Bruker

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Waters Corporation

Leaks are problematic for any operation that uses gas tubing and fittings. Even small gas leaks can lead to safety issues, reduced productivity, and increased costs.
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<li>Leaks can introduce water and air into the gas flow and tubing.
</li>
<li>Persistent, unidentified leaks can saturate gas filters faster than expected and cause decreased sensitivity and/or elevated baselines in instrument detectors, such as GC, GC/MS, ICP-MS, or ICP-OES.
</li>
<li>Leaks can also lead to shortened lifetimes of some consumables, especially in GC systems.
</li>
<li>Further, leaks allow the gas to flow out of the fitting and can cause loss of production and revenue if trying to produce or collect and supply the gas.
</li>
</ul>
Also, if gas is being consumed at a higher rate than expected because of leakage, gas supply costs will increase. Checking for and eliminating leaks from the gas source to the terminus can reduce safety concerns and reduce costs through decreased use of cylinders or fewer refills by the gas supply company.
Join us as we explore how to identify signs of leaks, address any existing leaks, and prevent future leaks.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Alex Ucci (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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In his current position at Agilent, Alex provides application assistance and technical support for sample preparation products as well as GC and LC consumables. Before he joined Agilent in 2014, Alex was a graduate student at the Pennsylvania State University researching the morphology and surface properties of aerosol particles using a wide variety of analytical techniques. He has an MS degree in chemistry.
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Agilent Technologies: Sealing the Deal: Strategies for Leak-Free GC

Sealing the Deal: Strategies for Leak-Free GC

We explore how to identify signs of leaks, address any existing leaks, and prevent future leaks.

We invite you to join a hybrid event on October 15th to explore the latest solutions and workflows for overcoming environmental and food contaminant testing challenges.This event will be broadcast live from the laboratory at Thermo Fisher Scientific Customer Solutions Center (CSC) in Paris. You can join in person at one of our many 'satellite' venues worldwide, where we will offer an extended agenda, or participate remotely through the live broadcast.During the live stream broadcast, you will meet our Customer Solution Centre specialist team and leading industry expert, John Quick, as they discuss innovative solutions to meet the ever-evolving testing demands. There will be plenty of time to ask these experts your questions.The following sessions will be streamed all over Europe and beyond:<ul><li>Detecting PFAS in drinking water to meet regulations across Europe – New automated sample preparation high-resolution MS solution to achieve parts per trillion detection limits. Aristide Ganci,&nbsp;Senior Product Application Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific; Valérie Thibert, Senior Product Application Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific; Bénédicte Gauriat, Senior Product Application Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific</li><li>New ready-to-go pesticide residue solution for faster, more confident results Zoe Julian, Product Marketing Specialist, Manager; Bénédicte Gauriat, Senior Product Application Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific; Julie Moriceau, Senior Product Application Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific</li><li>Low-level contaminant testing in environmental water matrices&nbsp;– High-Resolution Accurate Mass GC-MS approach to meet future regulations John Quick, Principal Scientist, ALS Environmental Ltd</li></ul>After the live stream concludes, 'satellite' locations offer a unique program onsite. Take this unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals, or join us to explore, network, and collaborate on your future projects. Scroll below to the venue of your choice to discover the individual agenda.Participation is free of charge, registration is required.For any questions about this event or regarding your registration, please email <a href="mailto:CMDEvents@thermofisher.com">CMDEvents@thermofisher.com</a>.<h3>Preliminary agenda</h3><h5>10:15 Live streaming of this event to ‘satellite’ locations and online audience</h5><h5>10:30 Introduction</h5><ul><li>Jeff Stubbs (Business Development Manager, Environment and Food Safety, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li></ul><h5>10:55 Detecting PFAS in drinking water to meet regulations across Europe - New automated sample preparation high-resolution MS solution to achieve ppt detection limits</h5><ul><li>A Ganci, V Thibert and B Gauriat (Senior Product Application Specialists, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li></ul><h5>11:35 Break</h5><h5>12:05 New ready-to-go pesticide residue solution for faster, more confident results</h5><ul><li>Z Julian, Product Marketing, B Gauriat, and J Moriceau (Senior Product Application Specialists Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li></ul><h5>12:45 Low-level contaminant testing in environmental water matrices – high-resolution GCMS approach to meet future regulations</h5><ul><li>John Quick (Principal Scientist, ALS Environmental Ltd)</li></ul><h5>13:15 Closing comments</h5><h5>13:30 End of live streaming</h5><div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt7" comp-id="B1"><div><div><div><div><div><div><blockquote><h3>How to attend?</h3>3 ways of attending:Customer Solution Centre (in-person event):&nbsp; Join the heart of the event at our Customer Solution Center in Paris, where the main agenda will be hosted and live-streamed worldwide to our ‘Satellite’ locations and our audience.Join a ‘Satellite’ location (in-person event):&nbsp; Our in-person ‘Satellite’ events will broadcast the main agenda live-streamed from our Customer Solution Center in Paris and supplement the day with local presentations, lab tours, or workshops. Take this opportunity to meet your Thermo Fisher representatives and industry experts from the region. Discover the individual agenda for your ‘Satellite’ location of interest.Online attendees (remote):&nbsp; Unable to travel to a ‘Satellite’ event? Not a problem! You can register to attend conveniently online from your desk or anywhere else through the live stream from our Customer Solutions Center in Paris.</blockquote></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Thermo Scientific: Solutions for environmental and food contaminant testing

Solutions for environmental and food contaminant testing

New and advancing workflows to meet and exceed European regulations.

This webinar is about single quad mass detectors. We will look at the development of single quads together and highlight the possibilities offered by today's single quads and how they support the user.The aim of the webinar is to show users how they can easily add mass-selective confirmation to their HPLC-UV methods. In other words: achieve greater security without more complexity.<blockquote>Presenter: Shaun Pritchard (Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separations, Agilent Technologies)Shaun Pritchard is a Product Specialist for separation products at Agilent Technologies covering the UK and Ireland. He started his career in 1989 working at a large Pharmaceutical company holding a number of roles, this is where he became passionate about HPLC finally in 1998 he took the leap to leave the lab and move to the commercial side of things and has had a number of roles within the industry until 2017 he joined Agilent.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: HPLC Beginner Webinar Series

Single Quad mass detection for Chromatographers

We will look at the development of single quads together and highlight the possibilities offered by today's single quads and how they support the user.

Key takeaways from this webinar include:<ul><li>Understanding surfactants and their significance</li><li>How to accurately measure cationic, anionic, and non-ionic surfactants using potentiometric titration</li><li>The distinction between aqueous surfactant titration and two-phase surfactant titration, and when to use each method</li><li>How two-phase surfactant titration serves as a viable alternative to the widely used Epton Titration</li><li>Choosing the right potentiometric sensor for specific titrations</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Mona Wagner (Application Specialist Titration, to learn how to analyze surfactants by automatic potentiometric titration)</blockquote>

Metrohm: Best practice for surfactant analysis by potentiometric titration

Best practice for surfactant analysis by potentiometric titration

How to accurately measure cationic, anionic, and non-ionic surfactants using potentiometric titration.

Best practice for surfactant analysis

Dive into the future of Karl Fischer titration in this engaging webinar, where we will unveil the cutting-edge advancements and emerging trends shaping this critical analytical field.This session is specifically designed to highlight the innovative features of the EVA KF Titrators, which represent the forefront of titration technology. We will explore the integration of advanced technologies such as the Fast-Forecasting Amperometric (FFA™) Control Algorithm, which enhances the speed and reliability of water content determination, drastically reducing titration times without compromising result quality. Learn about the advanced drift management techniques that ensure consistent and reliable measurements, critical for industries where accuracy is paramount.Participants will also gain insight into how these technologies are being applied across various sectors, driving improvements in everything from pharmaceuticals to food and chemical manufacturing. The session will cover how the flexibility of the EVA KF titrators enables laboratories to adapt quickly to new regulations and testing requirements, supporting sustained compliance and operational excellence.<h4>Program Overview</h4><ul><li>Technological Innovations: Uncover the cutting-edge advancements in Karl Fischer titration, including the integration of the Fast-Forecasting Amperometric (FFA™) Control Algorithm.</li><li>Precision and Efficiency: Learn about new drift management techniques that enhance the accuracy and reliability of measurements, crucial for industries where precision is paramount.</li><li>Adaptability to Regulations: Explore how EVA KF Titrators' flexibility aids laboratories in swiftly adapting to new regulations and maintaining operational excellence.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Erik GublerA Global Product Manager at METTER TOLEDO in Switzerland, specializing in analytical instruments. He holds a master's degree in chemistry from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich). He has been an integral part of developing the next generation of automated titrators and software. His chemistry expertise and product insight ensure the continuous advancement and reliability of METTLER TOLEDO’s titrators across various industries.Presenter:&nbsp;Lukas FritscheAn Application Specialist at METTLER TOLEDO in Switzerland, specializing in titration technology. With a Ph.D. in chemistry from ETH Zurich, Lukas plays a pivotal role at METTLER TOLEDO in advancing application development and enhancing instrument capabilities. His work supports the continuous innovation and reliability of the company’s analytical instruments.</blockquote>

Mettler Toledo: The Future of Karl Fischer Titration

The Future of Karl Fischer Titration

The innovative features of the EVA KF Titrators, which represent the forefront of titration technology.

Get the most out of your mass spectrometer using the new DB-5Q and HP-5Q columns, which simplify mass spectral identification and deliver confident analysis of active compounds with unparalleled uptime of your instrument.As mass spectrometry continues to push the boundaries of sensitivity and speed, customers need a column that can do the same. The combination of our existing ultra inert (UI) and high-temperature (ht) features, combined with our new ultra low-bleed technology, enables our customers to reach lower levels of detection, accelerate sample throughput, improve data quality and reliability.<h4>Key learning objectives:</h4><ul><li>See what the new DB-5Q and HP-5Q columns can offer you by delivering ultra-low bleed, ultra-inert performance, and ultra-fast conditioning, combined with outstanding column durability.</li></ul><h4>Who should attend:</h4><ul><li>Anyone who uses gas chromatography – especially those using MS detection.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Jan-Willem Marinissen (Technical Support Engineer, Agilent Technologies)Jan Willem Marinissen is a technical support engineer within the organization for the consumables and supplies division in the EMEA region.His working experience in the last decades has been in the field of chromatography in the broadest sense, that is, HPLC, sample prep and GC techniques.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Get the Most Out of Your MS

Get the Most Out of Your MS

Get the most out of your mass spectrometer using the new DB-5Q and HP-5Q columns.

In this webinar, we will present several case studies of how different light scattering techniques can be used for advanced characterization of biopharmaceutical samples.In particular, we will focus on dynamic light scattering (DLS), size-exclusion chromatography coupled to multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS) and real-time multi-angle light scattering (RT-MALS).<h4>Key Takeaways:</h4><ul><li>Learn basics of light scattering techniques &nbsp;</li><li>Distinguish between different light scattering methods – DLS, SLS, SEC-MALS, RT-MALS &nbsp;</li><li>Understand how different light scattering can be used to characterize therapeutic proteins</li></ul><h4>Who should attend:</h4><ul><li>Scientists interested in analytical characterization of biopharmaceuticals using light scattering techniques.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Hristo L. Svilenov, Ph.D. (Ghent University)Dr. Svilenov is an Associate Professor in Biopharmaceutical Technology. His research interests are in the development, formulation and manufacturing aspects of biotherapeutics. Previously, Dr. Svilenov was a postdoctoral researcher funded by a Peter and Traudl Engelhorn Fellowship at the TU Munich. From 2016 to 2019, Dr. Svilenov did his PhD supported by a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. He defended his doctoral thesis with the highest distinctions in Germany (summa cum laude) and received the AbbVie prize and the Carl-Wilhelm-Scheele of the German Pharmaceutical Society for his work.Presenter:&nbsp;Lorenzo Gentiluomo, Ph.D. (Waters | Wyatt Technology)Lorenzo Gentiluomo, Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Technology and currently concluding an Executive MBA, has several years of experience in drug product development. He has successfully managed the development of 26 biological drug candidates, including 3 BLA projects, during his tenure at Coriolis and Lonza. Lorenzo now serves as Senior Account Sales Manager for Wyatt Technology, overseeing the portfolio in Switzerland, where he applies his deep technical expertise to support and expand the use of advanced analytical solutions in the biopharmaceutical industry.</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Leveraging light scattering techniques for enhanced biotherapeutic characterization and development

Leveraging light scattering techniques for enhanced biotherapeutic characterization and development

How different light scattering techniques can be used for advanced characterization of biopharmaceutical samples.

Leveraging light scattering techniques

Whether you are developing new materials for batteries electrodes, testing full or half cells or working on new electrolytes, electrochemical methods are at the core of your daily activities.&nbsp;In this webinar we will cover theoretical and practical aspects of various electrochemical techniques for battery research and testing. From the most fundamental CC cycling, to more advanced &nbsp;techniques such as galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), this webinar is meant to help you navigate this field and chose with confidence with techniques are most fit for your research.This webinar is accessible to anyone working in the field of battery, materials research, with or without a background in electrochemistry.<blockquote>Presenter: Thomas Touzalin, PhD.&nbsp;Product Manager at Metrohm Autolab, helping the electrochemistry researchers achieve their goals by providing the right solution for any research problems as well as offering technical support for the Autolab product range.</blockquote>

Metrohm: Electrochemical techniques for battery research and testing

Electrochemical techniques for battery research and testing

Theoretical and practical aspects of various electrochemical techniques for battery research and testing.

This webinar will guide you through optimizing your Q-TOF for superior data quality by selecting the most suitable tune mode for your samples.We will delve into various MS acquisition modes, including MS only, All Ions (QRAI), Auto MS/MS (directed MS/MS; targeted MS/MS), and PRM mode.Learn how to fine-tune method settings to enhance your data quality and achieve the best analytical results. Whether you’re a seasoned user or new to QTOF, this session will provide valuable insights to elevate your mass spectrometry.<blockquote>Presenter: &nbsp;Stefan Schaebler (Application Specialist LC/MS, Agilent Technologies)Stefan completed his PhD in Biology, specializing in LC-MS-based lipidomics and metabolomics. Following his doctoral studies, he joined Agilent Technologies as an LC/MS Application Specialist. In this role, Stefan focuses on small molecule applications using LC-QTOF, with a strong emphasis on software tools and data interpretation.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: MassHunter Masterclass Months

MassHunter Acquisition Q-TOF Part II – Advance Settings

Join us for an in-depth exploration of advanced settings in MassHunter Acquisition for Q-TOF systems.

What to expect?Micro-XRF as an analytical technique has a wide range of possible applications, but it is often considered to be most suitable for research labs and academic environments. This sentiment is needlessly restrictive - micro-XRF can be applied just as well across multiple stages of industrial processes.For the materials testing of incoming goods - a task where bulk XRF is well-established - micro-XRF can go one step beyond precise quantitative analysis by also revealing component level alterations, be they accidental or intentional.While true in-line analysis of products remains a very challenging task, investigating individual conspicuous components is another area of application. The origin of changed material properties like colour, wear or corrosion resistance may, for example, be traced back to the inclusion of foreign bodies that hint at wear of machinery in the production process.For quality control, micro-XRF can assist by providing measures of layer thickness, composition, and the homogeneity of crystal structure orientation.This webinar highlights how micro-XRF is a versatile and powerful technique suitable for use in various industrial processes, not just academic research. Examples that will be presented include the quality control of thin layer samples and foreign body identification in the manufacturing process of battery electrodes.Who should attend?<ul><li>Micro-XRF users in industry</li><li>Quality control specialists assuring composition of metal or glass samples as well as failure analysis specialists in industry and material research laboratories</li><li>Researchers who work in R&amp;D</li></ul>Live Session 1* October 15th<ul><li>10 am CEST / Berlin</li><li>4 pm SGT / Singapore</li><li>5 pm JST / Tokyo</li></ul>Live Session 2* October 15th<ul><li>5 pm CEST / Berlin</li><li>8 am PDT / Los Angeles</li><li>11 am EDT / New York</li></ul>* the content of both sessions is identicalPresenter: Falk Reinhardt (Senior Application Scientist micro-XRF, Bruker Nano Analytics)Presenter: Dr. Christian Hirschle (Application Scientist micro-XRF, Bruker Nano Analytics)

Bruker: Industrial applications of micro-XRF – Quality control at different stage

Industrial applications of micro-XRF – Quality control at different stages

Micro-XRF is a versatile and powerful technique suitable for use in various industrial processes, not just academic research.