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

Proper care and maintenance of HPLC columns are essential for getting accurate results and saving on replacement costs. Extending the HPLC column life not only ensures consistent performance but also reduces downtime and the need for frequent replacements.Routine maintenance is equally essential for sustaining column functionality. Correct handling of the column is paramount, ensuring strict compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications regarding pressure, pH, flow rate, and temperature.In the next section, we will explore these best practices in greater detail, offering further guidance on essential HPLC column maintenance strategies. Whether you’re working in a high-throughput lab, or conducting occasional analyses, these strategies will help you get the most out of your <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products?category=48&amp;manufacturerItems=50">HPLC columns</a>.<h3>Essential Guidelines for Extending HPLC Column Life</h3>By adopting these simple yet effective practices, you can greatly extend the HPLC column life while ensuring reliable, high-quality results in your analyses.<h4>Proper Column Handling</h4>HPLC columns should be handled with care to prevent physical damage or shock. The pump should not be started at high flow rates; instead, the flow rate should be gradually increased over several minutes. A pump pressure limit should be set to protect the column from over pressuring, as sudden pressure changes can lead to voids, negatively affecting the column’s performance.<h4>HPLC Column Conditioning and Equilibration</h4>Conditioning is a critical step for preparing a new or stored HPLC column by replacing the storage solvent with the desired mobile phase. Care must be taken to avoid introducing immiscible solvent mixtures into the column. Universally miscible solvents such as THF (tetrahydrofuran) or IPA (isopropyl alcohol) can be useful for this process when moving from normal phase to reversed phase solvent systems. Care must also be taken to ensure that solvents that may be damaging to a specific stationary phase are avoided.For example, if a reversed-phase column experiences phase collapse due to 100% aqueous mobile phases, it should be reactivated. This process involves running 100% acetonitrile at a high flow rate and a temperature as high as 60°C. It is essential to ensure no solid buffers precipitate from residual solvents. Depending on the column condition, between 50 and 100 column volumes are needed for complete reactivation and equilibration, restoring the column’s efficiency for future use.<h4>Optimizing Operating Conditions</h4>Optimizing operating conditions is paramount to enhancing HPLC column efficiency and prolonging their operational lifespan. A fundamental aspect of this is strict adherence to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature, pH and pressure parameters.Deviating from these limits, particularly by operating at elevated temperatures, can significantly hasten the degradation of the stationary phase and hardware, thereby compromising overall performance. Elevated temperatures can also narrow the pH operating range, exacerbating the risk of column degradation through phenomena such as peak broadening or diminished efficiency.Effective pressure management is equally crucial. Sudden pressure surges or mechanical shocks can result in bed voiding, leading to poor chromatographic performance, such as split peaks and reduced separation efficiency. Gradual ramping of flow and pressure, implemented each time the column is initiated, mitigates these risks. Many modern HPLC systems are equipped with automated flow-pressure ramping capabilities, ensuring smoother transitions and reducing the potential for column damage.In addition, vigilant monitoring of the mobile phase's pH is vital to the maintenance of HPLC column integrity. Deviations from the optimal pH range can cause significant harm to the stationary phase. For instance, leads to ligand hydrolysis which leads to a loss of stationary phase functionality and diminished column performance over time. High pH can lead to silica degradation. This weakens the silica structure, causing particle dissolution, void formation, and loss of column efficiency. Maintaining the pH within optimal boundaries is essential for preserving the column’s structural integrity and ensuring consistent chromatographic performance.Furthermore, incorporating inline filters and guard columns into the system serves as a proactive measure to prevent particulates and harsh sample matrices from damaging the analytical column. These preventive tools significantly enhance operational conditions and safeguard the column from contamination, ultimately contributing to extended HPLC column lifetime and reliable performance.<h4>Regular Column Maintenance</h4>Effective routine maintenance is paramount to extending the HPLC column lifetime and ensuring the consistent performance of HPLC columns. A critical aspect of this maintenance is the thorough washing of the column after each use to eliminate residual sample components and mobile phase contaminants.The cleaning process generally involves performing an isocratic or gradient wash using a solvent system similar to the one previously used on the column but substituting the buffer with HPLC-grade water. This helps effectively remove any residual buffer components from the column. This meticulous cleaning process is vital to preventing the accumulation of impurities that could compromise the stationary phase and lead to decreased efficiency over time.Post-cleaning, it is imperative to end-cap the column before storage to prevent the stationary phase from drying out, a condition that can negatively impact the column’s future performance. Proper capping or sealing ensures that the column remains in optimal condition, safeguarding its structural integrity and readiness for subsequent analyses.Additionally, utilizing an older HPLC system as a dedicated wash station can further streamline maintenance practices, freeing up live systems for active use. Consistently adhering to a rigorous cleaning and storage regimen not only enhances the longevity of HPLC columns but also guarantees the delivery of precise and reliable analytical results.For severe contamination or pressure buildup, backflushing may be necessary to dislodge tightly bound contaminants. However, backflushing should only be performed when absolutely necessary, as it can stress the column packing material. It is essential to consult the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting this method.

How to Extend the Lifetime of HPLC Columns?

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

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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

Phenomenex is a global technology leader committed to developing novel analytical chemistry solutions that solve the separation and purification challenges of researchers in industrial, government and academic laboratories.

Phenomenex

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

Separation Science

Metrohm

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Waters Corporation

GPC/SEC is an important technique for determining the molecular weight distribution of synthetic and natural polymers and for comparing batch to batch quality. It is a valuable technique for those doing polymer analysis. Specific criteria should be considered when developing or optimizing your method to ensure the success of the application:
<ul>
<li>Why determining molecular weight is important</li>
<li>Key parameters for solvent and column selection</li>
<li>Column type options, their features, and benefits</li>
<li>Importance of polymer standards selection and calibrating</li>
<li>Modes of Detection and expanding the information for your polymer</li>
</ul>
Practical steps, helpful product information, and application examples will be provided to assist you with selecting the best GPC/SEC solution for your polymer sample.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jean Lane (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jean has been employed with Agilent since Nov 2010 in technical and applications support and has a primary role supporting Agilent’s full line of LC columns and consumables, which also includes support for Agilent’s GPC/SEC product line. She came to Agilent thru acquisition of Varian and the former Polymer Laboratories. Jean has 20 plus years of technical and applications support for both HPLC and GPC consumable products. In addition to practical chromatography experience in the laboratory, she has had many, many years in her technical role involving customer support providing assistance and troubleshooting for customer chromatography issues.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Your GPC/SEC Toolbox – Have You Got What You Need for Your Polymer Analysis?

Your GPC/SEC Toolbox – Have You Got What You Need for Your Polymer Analysis?

Practical steps, helpful product information, and application examples will be provided to assist you with selecting the best GPC/SEC solution.

Your GPC/SEC Toolbox for Your Polymer Analysis

This exclusive roundtable event will host experienced industry leaders in the PFAS analytical testing field to share their own experiences and discuss various topics that will help empower PFAS analytical testing laboratories to future-proof themselves, in this constantly evolving area of environmental concern.
Topics that will be covered include:
<ul>
<li>The current landscape, market trends and future state of PFAS analysis</li>
<li>Review of current and emerging US and EU regulatory requirements for PFAS analytical testing</li>
<li>Analytical technologies to help tackle PFAS testing projects of any size or scope, faster</li>
</ul>
Benefits and learning outcomes from attending this event:
<ul>
<li>Learn about current and anticipated challenges of routine PFAS analysis and tips for how to overcome them</li>
<li>Understand the impact of ever-changing regulatory demands and why it is essential for testing laboratories to future-proof themselves</li>
<li>Discover new, cutting-edge techniques for PFAS analysis that can impact overall laboratory productivity and efficiency</li>
<li>Q&amp;A with technology thought leaders on key issues faced by scientists in this field</li>
</ul>
Who should attend:
<ul>
<li>Environmental analytical testing laboratory leaders</li>
<li>Lab technicians, lab managers, lab directors</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Lee Ferguson (Duke University, North Carolina, USA)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr P. Lee Ferguson is an Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering at Duke University in Durham, NC, USA. He received B.S. degrees from the University of South Carolina in Chemistry and Marine Science in 1997 before earning a Ph.D. in Coastal Oceanography at State University of New York – Stony Brook in 2002. His postdoctoral research was conducted in the area of proteomics at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA, USA. Before joining Duke, Dr. Ferguson was an Assistant and Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of South Carolina.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: John Quick (ALS Environmental, UK)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
John Quick is the principal scientist at ALS Environmental in Coventry. John’s background is in chromatography and over the last years John and his team has developed methods to analyse all the compounds included in the CIP program (A UK version of the Water Framework Directive) with detection levels not seen by any other commercial laboratory in the past.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Vladimir Nikiforov (NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr Vladimir Nikiforov graduated from St. Petersburg State University in 1986, got a degree in 1990 (Synthesis of fluoroketones for extraction of anions) and continued with the same university doing research and teaching in Synthetic organic, Physical organic, Environmental chemistry until 2010. From 2010 to 2014 he was a head of laboratory of migration of POPs in the Center of Ecological Safety of the Russian Academy of Sciences and then joined NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research. His current research interests include PFAS and other organofluorines, Non-target and suspect screening, QSAR, development of analytical methods for new pollutants and microplastics in al matrices, and in air samples in particular.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Christopher P. Higgins (Colorado School of Mines)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Christopher P. Higgins is an environmental chemist at the Colorado School of Mines. Dr. Higgins’ received his A.B. in Chemistry from Harvard University, and graduate degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University. He joined Mines in 2009, attaining the title of University Distinguished Professor in 2022. His research focuses on the movement of contaminants in the environment. In particular, he studies chemical fate and transport in natural and engineered systems, with a focus on poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Dr. Higgins has authored more than 135 peer-reviewed publications. His research has been supported by NSF, NIH, EPA, USDA, and the DoD.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ed George (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ed George has a BS in Chemistry from the University of Notre Dame with concentration in Environmental Science. He worked for 15 years in the environmental laboratory industry, holding positions of Lab Technician, Lab Manager, and R&amp;D Manager, responsible for developing novel sample preparation and analytical methods in soil and water on GC/MS/MS and LC-MS/MS platforms. He participated in several collaborative method development projects with the USEPA. In 2014, he joined Thermo Fisher Scientific and is currently a Senior Applications Scientist. He has worked closely with key collaborators on food safety and environmental projects in universities and industry and has recently developed workflow applications for pesticide and veterinary drug residues in food on both LC-MS/MS and high-resolution MS platforms.
</blockquote>

Pixabay/Anja: Why is PFAS testing so challenging?

Why is PFAS testing so challenging?

This exclusive roundtable event will host experienced industry leaders in the PFAS analytical testing field to share their own experiences and discuss.

How to determine AOX and AOF by Combustion Elemental Analysis and Combustion Ion Chromatography?
As the presence of organically bound halogens (AOX) and organically bound fluorine (AOF) in the environment is coming under scrutiny in many countries, there is a need for rapid screening of these parameters in environmental samples. 
In a joint webinar by Analytik Jena and Metrohm, Christian Koch (Analytik Jena) and Theresa Steurer (Metrohm) present Combustion Elemental Analysis and Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC) as a viable solution to determine the sum parameters AOX and AOF. In contrast to other techniques CIC can determine the individual sum parameters of the individual halogens, e.g., AOF, which is a screening parameter for per-and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). Thus, CIC can provide a fast and accurate picture of the overall contamination levels before performing targeted analysis to identify individual PFAS.
As sample preparation is a crucial step in both techniques, this webinar puts a special focus on procedures making sure that only the organic halogen compounds are measured and any interfering compounds are removed prior to analysis (see ISO 9562; EPA 1650C, and notably recently published DIN 38409-59).
This webinar is intended for lab managers and analytical chemists looking for solutions to the challenges posed by AOX and PFAS monitoring in wastewater, surface water, and other water matrices.
Participants in this webinar will learn about:
<ul>
<li>the regulatory background</li>
<li>the challenges of sample preparation</li>
<li>combustion / pyrohydrolysis as an automated sample preparation technique</li>
<li>the analytical procedures for analysis of AOX by Combustion Elemental Analysis</li>
<li>the analytical procedures for analysis of AOF by Combustion Ion Chromatography</li>
</ul>

Metrohm: Monitoring PFAS and other organically bound halogens in water and wastewater

Monitoring PFAS and other organically bound halogens in water and wastewater

How to determine AOX and AOF by Combustion Elemental Analysis and Combustion Ion Chromatography

PFAS and organically bound halogens in water and wastewater

The field of synthetic biology revolves around the design-build-test-learn (DBTL) cycle, where biological components are adjusted in multiple iterations. Automation allows synthetic biologists to spend less time pipetting liquids and devote more time understanding the science and finding creative solutions to problems.
By combining automation for sample preparation with rapid separation methods we provide a phenotyping workflow suited to the needs of the synthetic biology community.
Attend this webinar to discover:
<ul>
<li>Automation solutions for synthetic biology applications</li>
<li>Rapid separation method workflows</li>
<li>How to improve confidence in annotation using ion mobility</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Tessa Moses (Metabolomics Specialist and Facility Manager of EdinOmics, Center for Engineering Biology, The University of Edinburgh)
</blockquote>

Technology Networks: An Automated Workflow for Untargeted Metabolomics of Complex Biological Samples

An Automated Workflow for Untargeted Metabolomics of Complex Biological Samples

By combining automation for sample preparation with rapid separation methods we provide a phenotyping workflow for the synthetic biology community.

An Automated Workflow for Untargeted Metabolomics

Join us as we launch the first ever purpose-built HPLC designed to improve outcomes in QC labs. This breakthrough LC solution puts ease-of-use and simplicity at the heart of your experience.
In this virtual launch event you’ll find out how this innovative new HPLC system guides you through the entire QC analytical workflow. Discover how exclusive features help reduce the number of failed runs and deviations while saving you time, money, and stress. In this virtual launch event you’ll also learn how this intuitive new HPLC System:
<ul>
<li>Intuitively prevents up to 40% of common errors*</li>
<li>Provides fast, simple guidance at the point of need</li>
<li>Boosts productivity and capacity through effective resource utilization and error-free operation</li>
<li>Drives workflow efficiencies and quality improvements</li>
<li>Improves data integrity</li>
</ul>
Intuitive Simplicity is just days away. Don’t miss out. Register for our virtual launch event.
<ul>
<li>Based on Waters&#39; market research in 2022, surveying 56 global Pharma QC labs running &gt;25 systems</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Paula Hong (Principal Consulting Scientist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Paula Hong is a Principal Consulting Scientist Waters Corporation, where she has worked for over 15 years. She currently manages a team of 10+ scientists conducting instrument product development. Paula began her career at Waters in the chemistry division focusing on novel column chemistries for biopharmaceutical applications, including studies on the first hybrid sub 2-µm SEC column. Her more recent work has focused on instrument development.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Tracy Hibbs (Principal Consulting Marketing Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Tracy has worked for Waters Corporation since 1999 and has held a variety of positions including Technical Trainer, Business Impact Consultant, Training Manager for Informatics and Data Integrity, and currently, Principal Consulting Marketing Manager focusing on Informatics solutions. Tracy provides support for Waters Empower Software Suite and is concentrated on developing laboratory data management software solutions that help organizations achieve their scientific and operational objectives in regulated environments. Prior to joining Waters, Tracy was a Research Scientist where she gained experience in chromatography and the associated data systems.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Debbie Francis (Principal Consulting Product Marketing Manager in QA/QC, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Debbie has worked for Waters since 2018, and has held multiple product marketing positions for Mass Spectrometry systems, and is currently Principal Consulting Product Marketing Manager in QA/QC, focusing on next generation systems, where she has been leading the commercialization of the new era of simplicity in HPLC. Debbie began her career as a scientist in clinical laboratories, before moving into marketing, and prior to joining Waters held various regional and global marketing roles within the life science industry,
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr Stephanie Harden (Manager, Waters Global Pharmaceutical Marketing, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Stephanie is the manager of Waters global product marketing and applications teams, with 20+ years of experience in product and segment marketing. She has a proven track record leading cross-functional teams, in B2B digital/omni-channel marketing and strategic program development and strategy execution. Specialising in pharmaceutical quality by design, the analytical procedure lifecycle, and process analytical technology, Stephanie is a highly cited author with a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Bristol, UK.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Sukhdev Bangar (Principal Product Manager – HPLC, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Sukhdev Bangar is a Principal Product Manager at Waters Corporation in Waters QA/QC Divison. He has over 15 years’ experience in the area of LC and LC-MS applications. Starting life in industry at GSK working with OTC treatments of Dermatological ailments, Inhalation drug testing at 3M, followed by DMPK at AstraZeneca. In 2005 he joined Waters in the Global MS product management group working with R&amp;D to evaluate new MS hardware and software features from an end user perspective. In 2010 he joined the Americas MS demo lab and after a few years became the Team Leader for the Pharma group, leading the efforts in Quan/Qual application Demo’s. Since 2019 Sukhdev has held his current role working out of Waters HQ. His responsibilities include Waters next generation HPLC product line.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Change is coming in HPLC: A Waters virtual launch event

Change is coming in HPLC: A Waters virtual launch event

Say ‘hi’ to your new lab ally at the virtual launch event of our new HPLC on March 22, 2023.

As an analytical scientist, you need robust, flexible, and easy solutions to help you characterize and understand your oligonucleotides faster.
Have a closer look at the Waters’ solution:
Exceptional LC-MS performance to maximize sample analysis and comprehensive informatics capabilities, specifically designed for biopharmaceutical analytical laboratories that need to be able to make more confident and more efficient analytical decisions.
Join our 30 Min live session, directly from the Waters Wilmslow Demo Lab:
<ul>
<li>Find out how Waters solutions can help you to know more about your oligonucleotides – quicker and easier than ever!
</li>
<li>Learn about the benefits of a flexible system and gain insight into this exciting solution and how it can help your lab overcome analytical challenges.
</li>
<li>Discover the Waters solution for extended Oligonucleotide analyses, including a preview of the INTACT Mass app and the CONFIRM Sequence app in waters_connect
</li>
</ul>
Waters MS Systems - including ACQUITY Premier LC-System, MaxPeak Premier Columns, and waters_connect Software - are a workflow-based solution: It is easy to implement and operate and will improve decision-making and time to results in your laboratory.
Join Dr. Jo-Anne Riley for this live demo. She will show you how easy it is to set up and operate the Xevo G3 QTof system and introduce you to our INTACT Mass and CONFIRM Sequence workflows from samples to results.

Waters Corporation: Oligonucleotide Analyses using LC-MS: A Live Demo

Oligonucleotide Analyses using LC-MS: A Live Demo

Find out how Waters solutions can help you to know more about your oligonucleotides – quicker and easier than ever!

During this second session of a four-part ‘Fundamentals of Spectroscopy’ course, we will break down some common spectroscopic techniques (UV/VIS absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and Raman scattering amongst others), examine how they work at a relatively low level, and discuss what they can be used to learn in different situations. We will pay special attention to the historical developments of these techniques, particularly the scientific and economic motivations that drove the people who created and refined them.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Understand the concept of absorption spectroscopy, the design of an absorption spectrometer, and see how UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy can be used in quantifying protein concentration.
</li>
<li>Differentiate between the different types of luminescence, specifically photoluminescence vs. fluorescence and understand the basics of fluorescence and phosphorescence spectrometers. Become familiar with applications using time-resolved fluorescence, solvatochromic shifts and Förster resonance energy transfer.
</li>
<li>Learn the basics of Raman spectroscopy, and the design of a Raman spectrometer. Understand the units used in Raman spectroscopy and learn how Raman specificity can be used to measure various physical and chemical properties in materials.
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter Shayne Harrel (Andor Technology)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Shayne Harrel is a spectroscopy specialist for the Americas at Andor. He holds a PhD in physical chemistry from Yale University where he studied dynamical processes in charge transfer systems, magnetic materials and semiconductors using time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy. Prior to joining Andor, he was a senior applications engineer at MKS Instruments and has held previous positions as Chief Scientist-Americas for Izon Science, Senior Applications Scientist for Olympus Corporation, and as a chemist for the US Food and Drug Administration.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter Georgina Wynne Hughes (Editorial Team)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Georgina studied at Birmingham University where she gained a BSc in Biomedical Science, and an MSc by Research in Cancer and Genomic Sciences, which focused on defective autophagy in rare neurodegenerative diseases. As a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

SelectScience: Spectroscopy techniques in practice: Methods and motivations

Spectroscopy techniques in practice: Methods and motivations

We will break down UV/VIS absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and Raman scattering amongst others and examine how they work.

<ul>
<li>What is HPLC analysis used for, and what are the calibration standards</li>
<li>The importance of efficient data handling for HPLC analysis</li>
<li>Solutions for error-free data transfer from balance to HPLC</li>
<li>An overview of the improved HPLC workflow, including the live solution demonstration</li>
</ul>
HPLC analysis is an important technique used in most quality control or analytical laboratories. Since some critical decisions about product batches are made based on the results of these analyses, they must be correct and reliable.
To ensure accurate results are obtained at the end of the process, it is equally important to ensure that all steps in the process, including the initial weighing of samples and preparing the required concentrations, are carefully executed and that all relevant data is recorded correctly.
Any errors in weighing data or calculations or even incomplete metadata in the initial stages will be propagated downstream, leading to errors in the final result. The implications of bad decisions based on incorrect analytical results could be disastrous. 
Join our webinar with METTLER TOLEDO and Agilent Technologies experts and learn how to ensure seamless, error-free data flow from balance to analytical results.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Andrea Brütsch (Global Product Manager | METTLER TOLEDO)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Andrea Brütsch holds a master&#39;s degree in Chemistry and Business Studies from the University of Zurich. After various experiences at METTLER TOLEDO, Andrea wrote a paper on the trends in Laboratory Automation. Currently, he is responsible for the area of lab automation in the Laboratory Weighing department.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kevin Kölliker (Lab Informatics Application Engineer | Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kevin Kölliker studied Chemistry and Business informatics and worked as a lab technician and field service engineer before joining Agilent. Combined, he has more than 10 years of experience in analytical laboratories.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kevin works closely together with the lab informatics product specialists to demonstrate the power of OpenLab, and to customize the solution to meet the needs of the customers.
</blockquote>

Mettler-Toledo: Seamless Data Flow from Balance to HPLC

Seamless Data Flow from Balance to HPLC

Error-Free and Efficient Process from Weighing to Analytical Result

Validate your method with a single mouse click! No need to export data into statistic programs or Excel. All steps from analysing the sample, calculating the statistical results and the reporting, everything is done in your validated Empower CDS.

Waters Corporation: Empower The Method Validation Manager (MVM)

Empower The Method Validation Manager (MVM)

Validate your method with a single mouse click! No need to export data into statistic programs or Excel.

Would you drive a car without a dashboard? And your Empower CDS Network? How much time and resources do you loose because you are not informed on time and only find out when you look under the hood?

Waters Corporation: waters_connect System Monitoring - the latest addition to the Empower family