Analytical Methods Blog

The Pan Africa Chemistry Network Congress 2017: Sustainable Agriculture; How the Chemical Sciences Can Contribute to Food Security for a Growing Population (PACN) was held from 7th – 9th November in Accra, Ghana. It is the RSC’s flagship annual event for the African chemical sciences community and consists of lectures, exhibitions, posters and networking.

PACN offers researchers and policy-makers a chance to meetup and discuss current research, challenges, new developments and crucial issues on the topic of sustainable agriculture. The Congress was designed to reflect the diversity of science and research in a bid to help solve challenges of food security and progress towards sustainable agriculture, with a focus on the chemical sciences. All participants  had the opportunity to engage with other scientists, hear about cutting edge research and policy, and exchange ideas.

Analytical Methods proudly sponsored the Aglient Prize. We would like to congratulate the winner: Nkechinyere Isienyi, Forestry research Institute of Nigeria. Her entry was entitled “Impact of heavy metal on soil near Lapite dumpsite in Ibadan, Nigeria”. One of the undoubted highlights of the congress was when Nkechinyere Isienyi was awarded her poster prize, as it was clear to everyone how much the award meant to her. With the quality of submission so high, thankfully there were also several other poster prizes awarded during the congress.

PACN poster prize winners

Congratulations Nkechinyere Isienyi!

1st UK Microfluidics for Analytical Chemistry Conference will be held on Thursday 1 February 2018 at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, UK.

This one day conference aims to bring together UK researchers developing and applying microfluidic systems for chemical and biochemical analysis. The meeting will cover all types of devices (lab-on-chip, digital microfluidics, paper microfluidics, total analytical systems etc.) and concern application to all forms of molecular analysis (biomedical, environmental, forensic, quality control etc.)

It will provide an opportunity to discuss recent developments in the field and develop future research opportunities as part of an overall aim to nurture and promote the UK microfluidic and analytical communities. This will also offer PhD students and early career researchers a chance to present their work.

Sessions will feature presentations by invited speakers, including keynote presentations from Nicole Pamme (Advisory Board Member for Lab on a Chip) and Joshua Edel (Advisory Board Member for Analyst), in addition to presentations selected from submission of abstracts. There will also be a chance to view the posters and exhibition, with additional networking possible during a wine reception at the end of the event.

Key deadlines:

Abstract deadline – 3^rd December, 2018

Earlybird registration deadline -17^th December, 2018

Standard Registration deadline – 12^th January, 2018

To register, please click here and for more information, please visit the Conference website here.

The 34th International Symposium on Microscale Separations and Bioanalysis (MSB 2018) is to be held at the conference center of the Windsor Barra Hotel (Barra da Tijuca) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from February 18-21, 2018.

Since its inception in 1989 (Boston, Massachusetts, USA), MSB has evolved into an interactive forum for the discussion of cutting-edge research on the frontiers of separation science, spanning fundamental theory, method development, technology advancements to innovative applications relevant to human health, medicine, food and the environment.

MSB 2018 centers on science and people by creating a confidential ambience that facilitates vigorous exchange between delegates. This edition will feature stimulating pre-conference short-courses, distinguished plenary speakers and a parallel program covering a wide spectrum of current microscale bioseparation techniques.

The symposium format encompasses several significant features:

• A scientific program, where over 70% is based on submitted abstracts.
• A double-blind peer review process ensuring top science regardless of reputation or seniority.
• Oral presentations with 1/3 of the time reserved for active discussion.
• Topic sessions introduced and chaired by leading researchers.
• A young investigator session with rising stars in microscale separations.
• Poster sessions with selected 3-minute talks.
• Science Café lunch seminars by vendors presenting advances in commercial separation technology.

Registration includes lunches, opening & closing receptions, and a symposium dinner at the iconic “Pão de Açúcar” (Sugar Loaf) scenic venue.

Since the MSB 2018 date is just one week after Carnival in Rio, delegates are invited to come a day earlier to join  a pre-symposium social activity: the Champion’s Parade of Rio Samba Schools on Feb. 17, 2018.

Key Dates

• Nov. 21, 2017: Abstract Submission for Oral Presentation closes
• Dec. 1, 2017: Notification of Acceptance for Oral Presentations
• Dec. 8, 2017: Deadline for Registration of Authors for Oral Presentation
• Dec. 15, 2017: Preliminary Oral Program Posted Online
• Jan. 19, 2018: Close for Early Bird Registration at Lowest Fees
• Jan. 26, 2018: Close for Poster Abstract Submission for Inclusion in the Online Program
• Feb. 2, 2018: Program Posted Online
• Feb. 9, 2018: Deadline for Submission of Late Breaking Presentations
• Feb. 18, 2018: Symposium Short Courses and Opening
• Feb. 19-21, 2018: 34th International Symposium on Microscale Separations and Bioanalysis

Click here to register

Elizabeth Magalhaes (Manager for Brazil and Latin America) and Janet Freshwater (Senior Commissioning Editor, Books) will both be attending the conference on behalf of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Be sure to have a chat with them if you want to find out more about the Royal Society of Chemistry!

SciX 2017, a conference featuring cutting edge developments in analytical sciences, instrumentation and unique applications, was held in Reno, NV from October 8-13, 2017.

It also gives us great pleasure to announce that Analyst Chair Duncan Graham and Analytical Methods Editor-in-Chief Scott Martin both received awards at SciX 2017. The Charles Mann Award for Applied Raman Spectroscopy was awarded to Duncan Graham, who delivered his Plenary lecture “Mann up, SERS Can be Useful!” on Tuesday 10th October. Scott Martin was the recipient of the AES Mid-Career Award. After being presented with his award, Scott delivered a plenary lecture titled  “Using Microchip Electrophoresis and Electrochemical Detection to Investigate Cellular Communication”. We are extremely proud of Scott and Duncan. Congratulations on well-deserved awards.

Duncan Graham, Chair of Analyst, is presented with the Charles Mann Award for Applied Raman Spectroscopy by Ian Lewis from Kaiser Optical Systems

Analytical Methods Editor-in-Chief Scott Martin receives the AES Mid-Career Award from Mark Hayes, Arizona State University

RSC Sessions

Maria Southall, Deputy Editor of Analyst and Analytical Methods, attended SciX and chaired two Royal Society of Chemistry sessions – the RSC Sensors for Cancer Diagnostics session and the RSC Award session. Both sessions featured excellent presentations from experts in the field of analytical chemistry. The RSC Award session showcased the work of Danny O’Hare (Imperial College London, UK), Eiry Kobatake (Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan), Xian-En Zhang (Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China) and Gianfranco Gilardi (University of Torino, Italy). At the RSC Sensors for Cancer Diagnostics session, Analyst Associate Editors Steven Soper (University of Kansas, USA) and Jean-Francois Masson (University of Montreal, Canada) presented some of their research, along with Analytical Methods Advisory Board member Amanda Hummon (University of Notre Dame, USA) and Peter Gardner from the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology.

Photo from left to right: Eiry Kobatake, Xian-En Zhang, Maria Southall (RSC), Tony Cass, Gianfranco Gilardi, Danny O’Hare

Thank you to all our session speakers!

Spring SciX 2018

Spring SciX is a UK-based meeting of the successful SciX series, covering a wide range of analytical chemistry research, with a focus on early career researchers. Join leaders in the analytical sciences as they present progress on emergent topics, meet with exhibitors, and network over four days in Glasgow. Find out more at http://springscix.org/

We hope to see you there!

Euroanalysis 2017, will be held from 28th August – 1st September 2017, in Stockholm, Sweden.

Along the lines of the long traditions of Euroanalysis, the meeting will cover all aspects where analytical chemistry plays a role including fundamental and applied sciences. It will offer plenary and keynote presentations on cutting-edge topics by internationally renowned leaders of the field, followed by contributed talks and poster presentations to stimulate interdisciplinary discussions. In addition, a young researchers’ session will be organized to provide opportunities for and encourage Ph.D. students and postdocs to share their findings.

The conference has attracted about 500 participants from more than 30 countries, covering academia, governance and industry. The organisers hope that this will help to strengthen the networks between chemical societies and their members, working in diverse fields.

In addition to the lectures offered in the program, there are also opportunities to visit the exhibition, attend short courses and vendor’s seminars. A number of prominent analytical chemists will also be awarded.

Electrochem 2017 will be held at the University of Birmingham, UK, from Sunday 10th – Tuesday 12th September, 2017

The Electrochem 2017 annual meeting is organised by the Electrochemistry, and Electroanalytical & Sensors Interest Groups of the RSC, and the Society of Chemistry & Industry (SCI). In 2017, it will also include the 58th Corrosion Science Symposium, the annual meeting of the Institute of Corrosion (Corrosion Science Division).

The Corrosion Science Symposium has been held annually since its launch in 1960 by Prof. L.L. Shreir. It is an ideal opportunity for students and young researchers in corrosion science from across Europe to congregate, discuss their work, share ideas and, above all, enjoy themselves in a stimulating environment. Contributions are invited in all areas of corrosion science and engineering.

Confirmed speakers:

Faraday medal winner: Professor Marc Koper, Leiden University
Fleischmann lecturer: Professor Stephen Fletcher

Registration closes on Friday 25th August.

Click here to register

The Analytical Research Forum 2017 was held on the 7^th of July at Burlington House in London. The interdisciplinary one-day event featured invited talks, flash presentations and poster presentations on an impressive range of analytical techniques and applications. From the analysis of the hidden art beneath Rembrandt’s paintings to conducting life science experiments in outer space, the variety and calibre of work was of the highest standard.

Invited talks were given by Elaine Holmes (Imperial College, UK), Perdita Barran (University of Manchester, UK), David Peggie (National Gallery, UK) and Tony Ricco (NASA Research Laboratory, USA). Contributed talks and flash presentation sessions also enabled more participants to present a snapshot of their research to the analytical community.

Prizes were awarded by the RSC Analytical Chemistry Trust Fund to the best contributed talks and flash presentations. We are pleased to offer our congratulations to the prize winners:

• Becki Scott (KU Leuven, Belgium), Contributed Talk, First Prize
• Thomas Smith (University of Sheffield, UK), Contributed Talk, Second Prize
• Ryan Kane (University of Strathclyde, UK), Flash Presentation, First Prize
• Yuko P. Y. Lam (University of Warwick, UK) and Emily Kempa (University of Manchester, UK), Flash Presentations, joint Second Prize.

The Royal Society of Chemistry also awarded subscriptions to our journals Analyst, Analytical Methods and Lab on a Chip as prizes for the best posters on the day. We are delighted to recognise the excellent work of the following prize recipients:

• Fay Nicolson (University of Strathclyde, UK) for a poster entitled “Through barrier detection using handheld surface enhanced spatially offset Raman spectroscopy”
• Saba Al-Obaidy (Hull University, UK) for a poster entitled “Simple microfluidic platform to evaluate biological inspired nano-particles for focussed delivery of anti-bacterials”
• Andrew Donohoe (Dublin City University, Ireland) for a poster entitled “Development of cost effective sensors for the in-situ monitoring of heavy metals”

Congratulations to Fay, Saba and Andrew for presenting top class analytical research!

Andrew Donohoe and Fay Nicholson accept their awards from Melissa Hanna-Brown,
President of the Royal Society of Chemistry Analytical Division

Congratulations to all the prize winners and many thanks to all the participants who contributed to a vibrant and exciting meeting!

‘Newton Fund Researcher Links Workshop’ will be held at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India, from 6th – 8th November, 2017.

The ‘Newton Fund Researcher Link Workshop’ provides opportunities for early career researchers from the UK and internationally to interact, learn from each other and explore opportunities for building long-lasting research collaborations. As part of this programme, early career researchers are now being recruited to participate in the workshop.

The workshop will provide a unique opportunity for sharing research expertise and networking. During the workshops, early career researchers will have the opportunity to present their research in the form of a poster/short oral presentation and discuss this with established researchers from the UK and partner countries. There will be a focus on building up links for future collaborations and participants selected on the basis of their research potential and ability to build longer term links.

The Newton Fund will cover the costs related to the participation to the workshop, including: travel (both international and local), accommodation and meals. Costs for the visa will be covered; however, participants will be responsible for making all the necessary arrangements. Although this cost will not be covered by the Newton Fund participants are encouraged to purchase an adequate travel and medical insurance.

Registration deadline: 31 July 2017

Click here to find out more

You are cordially invited to the Microfluidics Congress: USA in Philadelphia on 24th – 26th July 2017. Join our community of leading academics and scientists from biotechnology & pharmaceuticals organizations who are working to transform healthcare by harnessing the developments of these new and overlapping technologies.

Microfluidics is a rapidly developing area of research, and scientists are continually discovering the wide range of possibilities the technology can provide. At the intersection of engineering, physics, chemistry, nanotechnology, and biotechnology, microfluidics is revolutionizing the way patients are diagnosed, monitored and treated, and is unlocking the potential for reduced reagent consumption and thus, cost.


The conference will examine the latest developments in the technologies and techniques being used for progressing medical research, as well as the challenges and future of microfluidics. Registration is now open here.

Some of the topics to be covered:


• Point-of-care diagnostics
• Organ-on-a-chip
• Droplet microfluidics
• Microfabrication
• Isolation and analysis of CTCs
• 3D printing of microfluidic devices
• Single-cell analysis
• Commercialization and venture capitalism

Keynote speakers will include Lab on a Chip Editor-in-Chief  Abraham Lee and Advisory Board member George Whitesides. See the agenda for further details.



Enhance your itinerary with pre & post event workshops. Lab on a Chip Advisory Board member Holger Becker (microfluidic ChipShop GmbH), will lead a 4 hour workshop on Lab-on-a-Chip technologies as an enabling technology for new product development in diagnostics and the life sciences.

MSB 2017 was held from March 26th – 29th, in Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands. Analytical Methods was involved in the best poster competition, along with sister journal Analyst and fellow RSC journal Lab on a Chip. The competition was Judged by an international panel of scientists, which was chaired by Dr Monika Dittman, Agilent Technologies, Germany. All posters were judged on the following criteria:

Novelty and originality of the work, creativity and potential for innovation;

Scope of work, technical quality of experimental design, and execution of experiments;

Readability of the presentation and author’s explanations.

For the Analytical Methods sponsored prize, the award winner received a free, one year e-subscription to Analytical Methods. Congratulations to all of the prize winners.

Three of the best poster award winners, along with conference co-chair Rawi Ramautar (far left) and chair of the poster prize award panel, Monika Dittman (far right)