In May, I announced that CASSS organizes a discussion group about consulting.

Today, I would like to mention next discussion group focused on New directions/developments in Separation Science.

The meeting is taking place on September 15th, 2010 in Woodfin Suites in Emeryville, CA at 6 pm.

Personally, I am looking forward to attending this meeting. The topic as well as a list of panelist (see below) are very interesting. It will be nice to hear opinions about new directions in separation science from people with different background and experience.

I have to admit that my knowledge, interest, and predictions focus mainly on liquid chromatography (and monoliths, of course;)  so I am very curious about other topics, such as sample preparation, miniaturization and/or new materials in separations, which are possibly going to be part of the discussion too (I don’t know, just guessing;)

The information from CASSS website

Today’s sophisticated separation and analytical instruments and techniques bear scant resemblance to the “absorption analysis” technique reported by M.S. Tswett in 1903.  But that same drive for innovation and improvement is alive and well in 2010.

Join us for a lively discussion on the latest trends and technical innovations presented at the Pittcon, ASMS and HPLC conferences this year.  Question our expert panelists on where the trends might be taking the industry - and what to watch out for.

One thing is constant in this field … change.  From mergers and acquisitions to plenty of new products – stay abreast of the trends that will affect you most.

Invited panlists

• Tom Jupille, LC Resources
• O. David Sparkman, University of the Pacific, Stockton
• Robert Stevenson, R. Stevenson Consulting

Registration starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:00 p.m., and Panel discussion at 7:00 p.m.

The prize for registration before Wednesday, September 8 is $35 for Discussion only and $49 for Discussion and Dinner. On-site registration are not eligible for dinner. More info on CASSS website.

Future post

I will try to remember (ie. make notes of;) discussed topics and possible conclusions and bring them to you here on chromatographer.com soon after the meeting. Keep in touch.

PS: if you would like to be informed about new posts, you might consider subscribtion to RSS chanel or email newsletter in the right sidebar.

I have to admit that this information is mainly interested for chromatographers located in California (especially Bay Area). The CASSS (An International Separation Science Society) organizes the Discussion group focused on the Keys to Successful Consulting.

Maybe you dont know it yet. Maybe your future job is a consulting.

Following information are from a Discussion group website:

If you’re serious about becoming a consultant (or even if you daydream about telling your boss to “take this job and shove it”), this course is a required investment in your future. While most scientists and engineers have traditionally sought full-time, long-term employment in industry, academia and government, many have found rewarding, flexible and dynamic careers as full- or part-time consultants.

This Workshop will be taught by Bob Stevenson, a successful consultant with a 20-year track record, “Keys to Consulting Success” takes you through the entire start up process. Consulting is a business – and successful businesses require serious commitment and planning. If you’re considering a consulting career or want to improve your existing business, join us for Keys to Consulting Success.

For complete meeting details and registration please visit: Discussion group website at www.casss.org

PS: Registration does close this Friday (May 28th).

Dr. J. Kirkland during the award talk

Yesterday, I had a great opportunity to participate in Discussion group organized by the An International Separation Science Society (CASSS). The main topic was the Scientific Achievements Award for one of the founders of modern HPLC – Dr. Jack Kirkland.

Jack Kirkland is the inventor of superficially porous particle stationary phases. These particles have solid core covered with small layer of porous nanoparticles. Maybe you know them as Poroshell or Halo columns. Columns packed with these particles show extremely strong separation power for different kinds of applications. In the past, I had a opportunity to compare various types of chromatographic stationary phases (including totally porous, non-porous, superficially porous particles and monolithic stationary phases) and I have to confirm their strengths.

In his very inspiriting presentation Dr. Kirkland mentioned not only history of development but also current state of the art and possible future steps for superficially porous particles as stationary phases. Do you know, that the size of the Halo particles (2.7 μm) is chosen according the theory calculations (the highest achievable efficiency for certain conditions) as well as because of the end frits in the column (the holes in the frits are 2 μm wide so the particles with 2.7 μm i.d. can’t go through them therefore same frits as for 5 μm i.d. particles can be used)?

One of the most important message in the presentation was that in chromatography the separation is always a compromise. Either you are looking for high throughput (then your choice will be probably UPLC or monoliths) or you are looking for the best selectivity and peak capacity (and you are going to choose porous particles). I know, this paragraph is very schematic conclusion, however it is usually like this. You have to always choose what you want and what is your goal in separation and to separate.

I was also happy to meet another founder of the (high performance) liquid chromatography: Dr. Lloyd R. Snyder.