Konstantin Shoykhet

Main research aims? I have been involved in (U)HPLC instrument development for over 25 years. My research focuses on the improvement of existing, and the development of new chromatographic methods and instrumentation, and the understanding of complex or unexpected phenomena encountered in chromatography.

What’s missing from the toolbox? Although we have versatile instrumentation which can successfully take a sample from the input and produce numbers as an output, there is significant room for improving the data interpretation and validation. For example, intelligent estimation of the quality of a result, and flagging. Also understanding of the entire workflow from sample taking and preparation, through the possible interferences during the analysis itself, to the adequate interpretation of analytical data results in a global context, requires more attention with increasing complexity of the workflows. In particular, the correct data interpretation and classification depends on qualification and interdisciplinary education of the operators.

How can we ensure that new instruments are accessible? International collaborations and educational programs might be the way to go here. However, availability of new instruments for researchers worldwide is not the primary issue, in my opinion. One important issue is the state of scientific-technical infrastructure in a specific country or geography. It is important that all the factors fit: level of education of the personnel, infrastructure from stable power delivery to availability of reagents, spare parts and services, societal interest in science and research. All these topics are strongly influenced by the status of education, science and research in the society in specific cultures, countries and geographies.