Insights from an IC specialist: To be suppressed or not suppressed?
As a global leader in ion chromatography (IC), Thermo Fisher Scientific is committed to helping laboratories optimize their IC workflows and achieve reliable, high-quality analytical results.
In 2026, we are hosting a series of Ask the Experts sessions designed to provide practical guidance on key aspects of IC analysis. Each session features a focused technical presentation from an IC specialist, followed by dedicated time to discuss attendee-submitted questions.
Our second Ask the Experts session will focus on the critical role suppressors play in IC performance, sensitivity, and reliability. Topics will include:
- How suppressor technology has evolved and why it matters for modern IC workflows
- When suppression is necessary — and how to determine the best approach for your application
- Key considerations for selecting the right suppressor
- Best practices for suppressor care, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Whether you are optimizing an existing method, troubleshooting performance issues, or evaluating new applications, this session will provide practical insights to help you improve suppressor performance and get more from your IC system.
We invite you to help shape our IC discussion by submitting questions in advance by using this form.
Speaker: Bart Cleeren (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
Bart has an extensive background as an experienced separation scientist and expert in ion chromatography. As a business development manager and product marketing manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bart has supported customers using ion chromatography across a variety of industries. He has a postgraduate degree in Business Economics from VLEKHO Business School in Brussels and a Master of Science in Applied Analytical Chemistry from PHITS in Antwerp.
Speaker: Wai-Chi Man (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
Wai-Chi has been with Thermo Fisher Scientific for more than eight years working with a wide range of customers in various industries. She provides ion chromatography (IC) support in method development, troubleshooting, sample preparation, training, seminars, events, and workshops. During this time, she has gained deep knowledge, skill, and understanding in areas such as IC-MS, IC-ICP-MS, carbohydrate analysis, metabolomics, and polar pesticides. Prior to joining the company, she worked for Wellcome Research and GlaxoSmithKline. Wai is passionate about promoting STEM to future scientists by encouraging, nurturing, and supporting them.
