Exploring breakthroughs in analytical chemistry that detect the undetectable and solve global challenges through innovation
Imagine being able to detect a single drop of poison in an Olympic-sized swimming pool, identify thousands of unknown molecules in a blood sample, or create portable sensors that monitor environmental pollution in real-time. This isn't science fiction—it's the incredible reality of modern analytical chemistry. Every two years, Europe's premier analytical chemistry event, the Euroanalysis conference, brings together brilliant minds to share breakthroughs that push these capabilities even further.
Modern analytical chemistry can identify substances at incredibly low concentrations, revolutionizing fields from medicine to environmental science.
Euroanalysis brings together leading scientists to address pressing societal challenges through analytical innovation.
Euroanalysis is not just another scientific meeting—it's the flagship conference of the European Chemical Society's Division of Analytical Chemistry (DAC-EuChemS), serving as a vital bridge between research and real-world application 4 .
The upcoming conference in Barcelona (August 31-September 4, 2025) focuses on "Analytics 5.0: answering societal challenges" 2 .
Among the many techniques showcased at Euroanalysis, mass spectrometry stands out as particularly transformative. As Encarnación Moyano of the University of Barcelona highlights in her plenary lecture, MS has evolved from a specialized technique into a central pillar of research across medicine, environmental science, food safety, and forensics 1 .
ESI and MALDI enable gentle conversion of molecules to ions without destruction 1 .
Orbitrap and time-of-flight instruments provide unprecedented mass accuracy 1 .
LC-MS and GC-MS combine separation with detection for complex mixtures 1 .
Proper extraction and cleaning of the sample to remove interfering substances
Introducing the sample into the liquid chromatography system where compounds separate based on their chemical properties
Converting the separated molecules into charged ions using techniques like electrospray ionization
Sorting these ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio in the mass analyzer
Measuring the abundance of each ion type to create a mass spectrum
Using computational tools to identify compounds based on their mass spectra
Modern mass spectrometry relies on specialized tools and reagents to achieve its remarkable analytical capabilities.
| Tool/Reagent | Primary Function | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Chromatography Columns | Separates complex mixtures into individual components | Isolating compounds of interest before MS analysis |
| Ionization Matrices (MALDI) | Enables soft ionization of large biomolecules | Protein and peptide analysis without fragmentation |
| Calibration Standards | Ensures mass accuracy and instrument performance | Quantifying unknown concentrations in samples |
| Sample Extraction Kits | Isolates and concentrates target analytes | Preparing biological fluids for metabolomic studies |
The true power of mass spectrometry emerges when we examine its applications across different sectors. The data reveals how this single technique addresses diverse societal challenges.
Disease biomarker detection enables early diagnosis and personalized medicine approaches.
Tracing pollutants and emerging contaminants protects ecosystems and human health.
Detecting adulterants, allergens, and pesticide residues ensures food quality and regulatory compliance.
Metabolite identification and drug development accelerates discovery of new medicines.
Oscar Yanes and his team are pioneering approaches that combine mass spectrometry with artificial intelligence and cloud computing to accelerate metabolite identification 1 .
As Euroanalysis 2025 highlights, the field of analytical chemistry is undergoing a profound transformation. The conference motto "Analytics 5.0: answering societal challenges" signals a deliberate shift toward responsible science that explicitly addresses human and planetary needs 2 .
The Euroanalysis conference represents more than just a gathering of specialists—it showcases a scientific discipline that quietly underpins modern life. From the food we eat to the medicines we take and the environment we cherish, analytical chemistry provides the essential tools to understand and improve our world.
The field's journey from specialized laboratory techniques to the "Analytics 5.0" framework reflects a growing recognition that our analytical capabilities must serve larger societal goals 2 . As these conferences demonstrate through their diverse sessions and dedicated young researcher programs, the future of analytical chemistry lies not just in developing more sensitive instruments, but in deploying our growing analytical power to create a healthier, safer, more sustainable world for all.
Join the analytical chemistry community in Barcelona for Euroanalysis 2025: August 31 - September 4, 2025 1 .