HPLC Down Under

The HPLC meeting series began in 1973 with annual meetings held alternately in Europe and North America. Although well established, it has been accused, in the past, of being old-fashioned or conservative – even unwilling to change. To some readers, HPLC2013-Hobart probably looks like “yet another one of those separation science meetings” – hard to distinguish from any number of similar symposia. As a regular participant of the HPLC meeting series since 2000 and, more importantly, co-chair of the Hobart meeting, I’ve been reflecting on what makes this one any different and what led to it being held in Tasmania – the first time the meeting will cross the equator into the Southern Hemisphere. Here, I answer those questions but also suggest that it bodes very well for a vibrant future for separation science right across the globe.

When faced with stiff competition, I believe that the ability to thrive stems from innovative thinking in the context of wisdom gained from previous successes – a delicate balance to strike with established meetings like the HPLC series. This is often reflected in the challenge of providing a forum for those long-established in the field while, at the same time, offering opportunities for young, up-and-coming scientists and those from non-traditional or developing regions. In fact, these are both issues that the HPLC meetings have actively tried to address over the past few years. The introduction of the Horvath Award from 2006, honoring the achievements of a young researcher (under 35), has not only created recognition but also highlighted the contributions that young scientists can make to the meetings. Moreover, such a commitment effectively mandates the inclusion of oral presentations from a younger crowd. The Hobart organizing committee has made the same promise to those at the beginning of their career with a truly inclusive program.

Since 2008, the HPLC Permanent Committee has included additional meetings in Asia. Now, Australasia is in the mix, with HPLC2013-Hobart providing the perfect example of the potential that new geography can bring. And the support of the international community is proven by the quality of the plenary and keynote speakers secured (many of whom appear on The Power List in this issue). Such support is absolutely critical for the future growth of separation science in this region and, arguably, worldwide. It also differentiates this HPLC meeting from others. Why? Well, as an Australian, attending an international meeting usually requires over 24 hours of travel – and a generous travel budget that is prohibitive for many. The opportunity to hear from and interact with the best scientists in the field without such a travel burden is a huge advantage.

Conversely, we have endeavored to construct a program that also includes many speakers from the local region. For regulars of HPLC meetings, this provides an exciting opportunity to listen to perspectives from a new, fresh-thinking crowd. For scientists within the region, it provides an opportunity to truly contribute to the direction of separation science from an international perspective. Given current growth within Asia and Australasia, these scientists will represent a big part of the field and its future, and I believe that we must engage more effectively with them.

The final question: why Hobart, Tasmania? As a native Tasmanian, I could simply say, why not?! Given its untouched wilderness, superb food and wine, and lashings of contemporary art, Tasmania has much to offer.  But Hobart is also home to the Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS) at the University of Tasmania. How ACROSS has grown to a team of over 50 researchers in separation science is another story in itself, but is an example of what can happen when you think differently and aren’t afraid to take risks. I feel the same excitement about HPLC2013-Hobart, but you should come and see for yourself.

The 40th International Symposium on High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Related Techniques (HPLC2013-Hobart) will take place at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia from 18-21 November 2013. For more information, visit:www.hplc2013-hobart.org