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Full Professor and Department Head, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

Main research aims? Using advances in micro-fabrication techniques (etching, 3D printing) to develop improved liquid chromatography supports and devices, and using smart algorithms to improve liquid chromatography methods. 

Biggest challenge facing the field? I fear this is the rapidly declining training level of the average analyst starting today in industry, augmented by the fact that the samples they are confronted with are ever more complex and need to meet ever stricter regulations. Hopefully, instrument manufacturers see this as an opportunity to stuff their instruments with tons of artificial intelligence to make them much smarter than they are now.

Most memorable piece of advice? My former supervisor always told me that the best way to build a great academic career is to focus on excellence in science, and stay away from all internal politics. The advice worked well – and ironically even led to the position of vice-Dean of the faculty falling unexpectedly into my lap. Fortunately, when I was asked to move up into the position of Dean, I remembered my supervisor’s advice just in time.