Chiara Cordero

Meet Chiara Cordero

From Innovation to Impact: Bridging Analytical Science with Real-World Relevance

Analytical science is evolving rapidly, fueled by technological progress and the growing integration of artificial intelligence in data analysis and interpretation. We now have the tools to explore what once seemed too complex or inaccessible. But in my view, the true strength of our field lies not merely in advanced instrumentation, but in our ability to connect that innovation to real-world needs.

In my experience – particularly in food quality and authenticity – the most meaningful analytical advancements have stemmed from industry-driven demands: practical challenges, the need for rapid prediction, and a constant push for competitive advantage. Without these pressures and a clear willingness to innovate, even the most promising technologies risk remaining confined to academic labs or instrument brochures, disconnected from everyday application.

We must bridge this gap. Researchers must engage more actively with practitioners, listen to their concerns, and reconsider their approaches. We need to build strategies around actual problems and cultivate a broader perspective. Stronger collaborations between academia, industry, and instrument manufacturers are key – and in some cases, especially where funding has historically not been an issue, new funding models that reward impact-driven innovation could help accelerate this alignment.

An additional consideration is the delicate balance between protecting intellectual property and sharing knowledge. While safeguarding innovation is vital, it shouldn’t prevent us from proposing new ideas and contributing to societal progress. In the past, industry partners were often reluctant to publish, fearing it would expose their strategic interests. Today, I see a shift: many companies are now eager to collaborate with academia on joint publications – not only to advance science, but to demonstrate leadership and commitment to innovation. This is a promising sign. Intellectual property and knowledge sharing are not mutually exclusive.

Artificial intelligence offers powerful tools that can support this connection. Pattern recognition, computer vision, and expert systems – such as AI-driven “smelling machines” used in food aroma analysis – are making it easier to turn complex data into actionable insights. But again, their real impact depends on how closely these technologies are aligned with practical, real-world objectives.

The future of analytical science depends on relevance: being useful, accessible, and connected to broader societal goals. Our field excels at uncovering detail – but its real value lies in how those details are applied, communicated, and transformed into knowledge that matters.