The 53rd International Symposium on High Performance Liquid Phase Separations and Related Techniques is here – with four days of scintillating separation science to come.
But don’t just take it from me – we reached out to Symposium Chair and Scientific Committee member, Gert Desmet, to find out What to Expect from HPLC 2025.
This year’s edition builds on HPLC’s legacy as “the premier venue to learn about the newest technologies and advances in liquid chromatography,” says Desmet, with added emphasis on related techniques like field-flow fractionation and supercritical fluid chromatography.
Top themes for 2025 include the rise of AI and lab automation, greener workflows, and tackling complex modalities like mRNA and AAVs. Industry engagement is also front and center, with new “industry stories” sessions and a “bring your boss” initiative.
With that in mind, here are our top picks from today’s program.
Yesterday’s Opening Ceremony
Before we get to Today’s Must-See, let’s rewind to yesterday’s Opening Ceremony – and, in particular, the plenary talk from Koen Sandra. Sandra’s insights on mRNA analytics couldn’t be more timely. In our cover feature on The mRNA Moment, he reflected on how this field has surged post-pandemic:
“I believe we are now at the point with mRNA and oligonucleotides that we were with antibody analysis 15 years ago – which creates plenty of opportunities, and challenges, for us analytical scientists!” From the intricacies of lipid nanoparticle formulations to the difficulties of intact mRNA analysis, Sandra sees an exciting road ahead – and one paved with analytical innovation.
Today’s Must See
08:30–10:15 (The View, Level 4) – Session: Column Technology (Chaired by Fabrice Gritti, Tivadar Farkas)
To kick things off, we cast our eye to Fabrice Gritti and Tivadar Farkas’s session on column technology. We’re especially intrigued by Jack Zhao’s talk on “revolutionizing HPLC” using columns coated with diamond-like carbon. As it happens, we recently spoke with Gert Desmet, session chair Fabrice Gritti, and Martina Catani (who is set to speak tomorrow on stationary phases at 08:30 (Foyer, Level 3), to find out whether we’ve reached the limits of LC.
“It is undeniable that research on HPLC columns and instruments is declining, especially in academia, and that most of the significant strides forward have already been made,” says Desmet. “However, nobody saw the core-shell revolution coming. So who’s to say we won’t get surprised again?” Could Zhao’s group at Welch Materials, China, deliver such a surprise?
We’d also recommend checking out Gritti’s talk at 10:45 (Auditorium A+B, Level 1) on the rebirth of slalom chromatography, as part of the session on Fundamentals. In our recent interview, he said.
“A standout development in recent years is the revival of ‘slalom chromatography,’ a technique originally discovered in 1988 for separating large DNA and RNA molecules. It was initially set aside due to unclear retention mechanisms, poor-quality particles, and limited practical use. Recently, I’ve been directly involved in reintroducing this method using innovative SEC particles and fully bio-inert UHPLC systems. These advancements now enable effective characterization of large plasmid DNA and the separation of mRNA vaccines from dsRNA impurities – critical needs in cell and gene therapy research…”
15:50-16:15 (The View, Level 4) – From Science-Fiction Chromatography to Modern SFC (Caroline West)
During today’s final session, Caroline West – JFK Huber Lecture Award winner – is set to give a talk about modern SFC. Over the years, West has participated in several articles about SFC for The Analytical Scientist (for example: Who’s Afraid of SFC). And most recently, West reflected on the lessons she learned from “the father of modern supercritical fluid chromatography,” Terry Berger, who sadly passed away last year.
“I had the chance to meet Terry again at the HPLC conference in Boston, USA. As I had grown into an assistant professor, I felt confident enough to approach him. When introductions were made, I remember that the first thing I said was: ‘You know, you are a sort of SFC-God to me.’ Terry laughed and said: ‘That scares the hell out of me!’ This brilliant man was also modest.”
17:30-18:50 Auditorium A+B: Level 1 Chromatography’s Got Talent
We recommend you cancel any early dinner reservations because you won’t want to miss “Chromatography’s Got Talent” – hosted by yours truly!
This session includes the “HPLC Tube,” “Who Wants to be a Chromatography Millionaire," and the Separation Science Slam.
I’d like to highlight Slam in particular, which gives younger scientists an opportunity to communicate their research to the HPLC audience in a unique way. The goal is to win the favor of the audience – for the chance to win €1,500.
Past slammers have used the story of Rumpelstiltskin to tell the story of an analysis of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings, rapped about the extraordinary insulation properties of polyurethane foam, and, somehow, weaved together enantioselective analysis of chiral compounds with ABBA’s Mamma Mia…
Tomorrow’s Planner
08:30-08:55 (Auditorium A+B, Level 1): Frontiers of High-Resolution Accurate Mass Analysis for LC/MS (Alexander Makarov)
08:55-09:15 (The View, Level 4): Chiral Stationary Phases Based on Polysaccharide Derivatives and Superficially Porous Silica – Present and Future (Tivadar Farkas)
17:00 (Auditorium A+B, Level 1): HPLC: A Critical Component of Proteomics in Precision Medicine (Jennifer Van Eyk)
Thought of the Day
“Bruges is a great city to host a conference, with all hotels, city highlights, restaurants and pubs (and there are many of these) within walking distance. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North,’ Bruges is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture and culinary delights, such as Belgian chocolates, waffles, and beers. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site with easy accessibility through the well-connected international airport in Brussels. Major European cities such as Amsterdam, London and Paris are within a range of maximally 300km, and all are easily connected by high-speed trains.” – Gert Desmet
Aprés-Sci
If you're looking to stretch your legs, climb the Belfry of Bruges before sunset. The 366-step spiral rewards you with golden-hour views over rooftops and canals – and maybe a slight fear of heights. Just don’t look down. And maybe go easy on those Pre-Dinner Cocktails (18:50-20:00, Auditorium A+B, Level 1).
Newsletters
Receive the latest analytical science news, personalities, education, and career development – weekly to your inbox.
