Pierre-Hugues Stefanuto
Lead Scientist and Lecturer, Molecular System Organic Biological Analytical Chemistry Group, University of Liège, Belgium
Predictions? The rise of data! I am really curious about how far we will go with the modeling tools for method development, prediction, and data processing. All analytical scientists must be prepared to master the data side of the field. I believe that we have to prepare ourselves and the next generation to be comfortable discussing processing, statistical tools, coding, and more.
Controversial opinion? A lot of people believe that separation science will disappear with the rise of always more powerful mass spectrometry. In my opinion, chromatography will always have a seat at the table.
Secret to success? Science is like cycling: it is an individual sport that you can play as a team. Even if you are often evaluated from your own achievements, there is very little to be done without a strong team. The biggest contribution to my career is the people around me. From the beginning of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to meet wonderful mentors, especially JF Focant and John Dimandja. Having mentors constantly pushing you and helping you to move forward is the best ally of a young scientist. In addition, I had wonderful colleagues and collaborators to work with. On the personal side, I have a wonderful wife who has played a major role in my success.
Mission? On the research side, I want to demonstrate how exhaled breath analysis could change the lives of patients and help us to evolve towards personalized medicine. I aim to tackle this question by developing multi-omics approaches focusing on identifying the origin of small molecules. On the education side, I want to continue to promote analytical science and to make the knowledge available to everyone. With the Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop team, we demonstrate every year that access to scientific events should not be about money but about the passion to share the knowledge.
Dream dinner party? I am a huge science enthusiast, but I’d have to leave work behind and invite Philippe Gilbert and Wout van Aert, my two cycling heroes.
