Data With Destiny
A chromatography consortium has been awarded four million euros as part of the Belgian government’s Excellence of Science (EOS) program. We spoke to two of the awardees, Gert Desmet (Free University of Brussels) and Deirdre Cabooter (KULeuven) to find out more about their collaborative project focusing on the development of multidimensional methods.
What can you tell us about the application process?
The grant is part of a new funding program that aims to establish collaborative networks in the areas of science that Belgium is strongest in. Given the amount – and duration (four years) – of funding you can imagine there was fierce competition, with contributions ranging from astrophysics to cell oncology and from clinical psychology to archaeology.
Why focus on chemical data mining?
We want to bring multidimensional chromatography to the next level, partly by increasing the number of compatible modes, but especially by supporting analysts in making the best possible choices for method selection and optimization. In this process, the main focus will be on the end result of the analysis; in other words, on the quality and reliability of the measured data, rather than on the “beauty” or ingenuity of the chromatographic methods.
Could you describe the project?
The “Chemical Data Mining in a Complex World” (CHIMIC; www.chimic.be) project aims to revolutionize the way complex samples are analyzed with multidimensional methods. By developing a combination of clever decision algorithms and innovative hardware solutions, we can better explore and expand the available separation space for complex samples. The first steps will involve pulling together all the consortium’s knowhow on method selection in multidimensional analysis and compiling it into a rational workflow.
What do you hope to achieve?
By the end of the four-year period, we hope that we will have established a renowned Center of Excellence on chromatography and chemical analysis that will shape new generations of separation science specialists, as well as helping industry professionals solve their toughest problems. In the longer term, we would like to end up with a functional expert system that can autonomously select and combine the most suitable separation methods for complex samples.
You can find out more about Desmet and Cabooter’s work by reading our Sitting Down With... interviews:
Gert Desmet
Deirdre Cabooter
A former library manager and storyteller, I have wanted to write for magazines since I was six years old, when I used to make my own out of foolscap paper and sellotape and distribute them to my family. Since getting my MSc in Publishing, I’ve worked as a freelance writer and content creator for both digital and print, writing on subjects such as fashion, food, tourism, photography – and the history of Roman toilets.
