Meet David Clases

David and his team develop instrumentation and methods for tracing and characterizing nano- and microstructures, particularly using ICP-MS. Their work spans individual nanoparticles, single cells, and microplastics, as well as mapping approaches for examining microscale features and architectures within solid environments.

“We are constantly surrounded by nano- and microstructures, and our biological functions even depend on them. Yet, the nano- and microworld remains largely uncharted,” he says. “We can only understand and manipulate what we can measure, and therefore, it is time to develop new analytical capabilities to access the nano- and microworld.” David sees particular scope for pioneering research into the origins, mobility, fate, and biological and environmental implications of these structures.

David expects AI to assume an important role in analytical science, but cautions against becoming dependent on it. “With AI, one may find shortcuts for many intellectual and experimental processes but miss out on the stimulating challenge,” he says. “I have a suspicion that the greatest impact will come from the ability to walk the line.” He also believes analytical scientists must communicate their value more effectively as tightening budgets place pressure on the expensive infrastructure and specialist expertise underpinning the discipline.

Relocating to the University of Graz in 2021 proved pivotal to David’s career, giving him the trust, support, and resources needed to develop his group and pursue his own ideas. Today, he draws inspiration from the varied perspectives within his NanoMicroLab. Outside his professional life, he identifies doggedness as one of his defining traits: “I enjoy getting to the bottom of things and rarely give up on a problem once it has genuinely caught my attention.”