<p><strong>Professor Michaela Rumlová, head of a research group of the National Institute of Virology and Bacteriology at UCT Prague (and Vice-Rector for doctoral studies), holder of a licensed patent &nbsp;for antiretroviral testing assays, and recipient of the Czech Science Foundation’s President’s Award for HIV research, has also become the principal investigator of the bilateral INTER-EXCELLENCE II project “</strong><i><strong>Cellular factors regulating the export and packaging of unspliced ​​retroviral RNA</strong></i><strong>”, starting this year. In this interview, she explains how retroviruses such as HIV “hack” the cell in order to export their own genome from the nucleus into the cytoplasm, and then to the site where it is specifically packaged into nascent viral particles, a key step in viral replication. Her team is collaborating with the NIH (National Institutes of Health) and Rockefeller University to elucidate mechanisms that may help reveal new vulnerable points in the retrovirus replication cycle while simultaneously clarifying related cellular processes.</strong></p><h5><strong>Could you describe your project and its main objectives?</strong></h5><p>Retroviruses, such as HIV, are viruses that carry genetic information in the form of RNA; however, after entering a cell, they are able to reverse transcribe it into DNA and integrate it into the host genome. In order to replicate, they must transport their genetic information—in the form of unspliced RNA—from the nucleus into the cytosol. There, it serves both as a template for the production of viral proteins and as the genome of new viral particles. This is highly unusual, as the cell very carefully controls which RNA molecules are allowed to leave the nucleus. Normal protein-coding cellular RNAs, known as messenger RNAs (mRNAs), must undergo splicing—a processing step in which certain segments are removed—before being exported. When this process fails, mRNA that retains these segments is held back in the nucleus as part of quality control and subsequently degraded. Retroviruses have managed to outwit this cellular control machinery, allowing their unspliced RNA to pass into the cytoplasm.</p><p>Our project focuses on identifying the cellular proteins that assist retroviruses in this step and on the mechanism by which protein complexes bound to viral RNA are remodelled during RNA transport. The goal is to understand how the virus uses cellular mechanisms to its advantage and how this pathway is linked to the subsequent fate of the RNA, i.e. to its translation and packaging into new viral particles.</p><h5><strong>Why is this export of unspliced ​​RNA so important for retroviral replication?</strong></h5><p>Because this RNA has a dual role for the virus. On the one hand, it serves as a template for synthesizing viral proteins in the cytoplasm; on the other, it represents the genetic material itself, which must be packaged into new viral particles. The virus must package its RNA genome in its unspliced form, as only this RNA contains essential sequences without which further viral replication would be impossible.</p><p><strong>Simply put: </strong>the virus needs to get a complete copy of its genetic instructions out of the nucleus. Once the viral RNA is in the cytoplasm, it can be used as a template for synthesizing viral proteins; and a portion of these RNA molecules is then selected and packaged into a new particle as a genome. We are interested in how the virus forces the cell to allow viral RNA that is, from the cell’s perspective, “unfinished,” that is unspliced, to leave the nucleus. We are also investigating how the cell and the virus together - albeit unintentionally from the cell’s perspective - determine which RNA molecule will be translated into proteins and which will be packaged as the genome. This is one of the key, yet still not fully understood, steps of retroviral replication.</p><h5><strong>What do you think it was about your project that impressed the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports’ jury the most?</strong></h5><p>I believe the decisive factor was a combination of several elements. First, the reviewers were primarily interested in the scientific problem itself. We are investigating a mechanism that is essential for retroviruses, but still not sufficiently understood, which may also have broader implications for the regulation of cellular processes. In addition, the quality of the team, our strong collaboration with the<strong> NIH </strong>and <strong>Rockefeller University</strong>, and the use of modern methods that will allow us to track viral RNA in great detail also played a role. It was also important that the project has clear objectives and a realistic plan.</p><h5><strong>How will this research contribute to the development of new treatments for retroviral infections?</strong></h5><p>It is important to say that this is primarily basic research. Rather than developing a new drug directly, we are trying to understand, at the molecular level, the step that the virus cannot do without. Only when we fully understand the mechanism of these cellular processes and identify the essential factors for the export of unspliced ​​RNA and how they function, will we be able to better determine which interactions or mechanisms represent potentially vulnerable points. Similar mechanisms associated with the export of unspliced ​​mRNA also appear in some diseases, such as cancer, so I &nbsp;see the benefit of our research mainly in that it will refine our understanding of these pathological processes in the cell, and retroviruses help us do so. Therefore, our work on retroviruses not only shows us how the virus works, but also how the cell itself works.</p><h5><strong>What responsibilities does your UCT Prague team have? How does the collaboration with your American partners work?</strong></h5><p>At UCT Prague, we are conducting the project’s primary experimental work. Our research involves cell cultures, viral models, and various biochemical techniques ranging from immunochemistry to microscopy that allow us to track viral RNA and identify its cellular partners. In collaboration with colleagues from <strong>NIH, Frederick</strong>, we are developing single-particle tracking methods to observe viral RNA movement in living cells across both space and time. Furthermore, we are working with colleagues from <strong>Rockefeller University to employ iCLIP </strong>methods for the precise mapping of protein-binding sites on RNA. Both collaborations are valuable to us, because they are not just about data sharing, but also about the transfer of expertise and detailed know-how.</p><h5><strong>Who else is collaborating on the project?</strong></h5><p>At UCT Prague, we collaborate closely with the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology. Externally, we work with colleagues from the Institute of<strong> Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS (IOCB Prague)</strong> and the <strong>Central European Institute of Technology in Brno (CEITEC)</strong>. Our research naturally necessitates the integration of diverse fields of expertise; it requires combining virology, cell biology, and biochemistry with advanced imaging and modern approaches to study RNA-protein interactions. This is exactly what makes our project capable of addressing complex questions that a single laboratory cannot tackle on its own.</p><h5><strong>Are there plans to continue the project? Have you brought on new collaborators, and are you looking to welcome new colleagues to the team?</strong></h5><p>Yes, definitely. In basic research, it often happens that one answered question opens up several more. High-quality, properly interpreted data provide a foundation you can build on — and that is what moves scientists forward. It is already clear that the topic of retroviral RNA export and packaging has broader implications and may reveal more general principles of how RNA functions within the cell. We also hope the project will be attractive to students, as it connects classical molecular biology, biochemistry, and virology with cutting-edge biotechnological methods. Students are already involved in the project as part of their bachelor’s and master’s theses.</p><h5><strong>What was the personal turning point that motivated you to pursue a long-term investigation into retroviral particles?</strong></h5><p>I first encountered retroviruses in the early 1990s during my diploma thesis, when I was working at IOCB Prague on HIV-1 protease inhibitors. At that time, AIDS could not yet be effectively treated, and retrovirus research had a completely different dimension. From the very beginning, I was fascinated by how such a relatively small and simple virus can outsmart evolutionarily highly optimized cellular processes and turn them to its own advantage. And that has never stopped fascinating me. From a scientific point of view, retroviruses are remarkable; just consider one of their enzymes, reverse transcriptase, without which no diagnostic or research laboratory in the world could function today. Without it, it would be impossible to diagnose RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2, influenza, or HIV using RT-PCR tests, or, for example to produce recombinant human proteins in bacterial cells.</p>

Tracking unspliced RNA: Professor Rumlová studies how retroviruses “hack” cells

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 20, 2026

<p><strong>🎤Lindsay Repka&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Lindsay Repka is a chemistry professor at Middlebury College whose research explores photoredox chemistry, catalyst stability, and visible-light-driven transformations. Her lab emphasizes both mechanistic insight and hands-on student training in advanced analytical instrumentation.</strong></p><p>In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Lindsay Repka to discuss how LC-MS and GC-MS transformed her lab’s approach to photoredox chemistry.</p><p>What began as a project to develop a visible-light photocrosslinking handle unexpectedly led to a major discovery: the solvent (DMF) was reacting with the photocatalyst itself. Using high-resolution LC-MS, Lindsay’s team observed multiple solvent adducts forming — sometimes with complete catalyst consumption. That discovery reshaped their research direction.</p><p>This episode is a rare deep dive into both LC-MS and GC-MS within the same research project, showing how chromatography-driven insight can turn unexpected degradation into productive new reactivity.</p><p><strong>If you work in:</strong></p><ul><li>Photoredox chemistry</li><li>Reaction optimization</li><li>Mass spectrometry method development</li><li>Catalyst screening</li><li>Academic synthetic chemistry</li></ul><p>…this conversation will resonate.</p><h4><strong>Key Topics Covered</strong></h4><ul><li>Photocatalyst stability in DMF, DCE, and MeCN</li><li>Demethylation under mild visible-light conditions</li><li>High-resolution Q-TOF LC-MS quantitation</li><li>Internal standard methodology in GC-MS</li><li>Signal-to-noise improvement using extracted ion chromatograms</li><li>Reaction reproducibility and quality control strategy</li></ul><h3><strong>Video Transcription</strong></h3><p>In this interview, Lindsay Repka discusses the role of photoredox chemistry in method development, photocrosslinking, solvent activation, catalyst stability, and the use of LC-MS and GC-MS to understand reaction pathways.</p><h4><strong>What is photoredox chemistry?</strong></h4><p>Photoredox chemistry uses light to activate a photocatalyst, which can either donate or accept an electron from a substrate. This generates radical species that can undergo new types of reactivity.</p><p>Repka explains that one of the key advantages of photoredox chemistry is its ability to operate under mild conditions, often using visible light. This makes it attractive for sensitive molecules and biological systems, including potential applications in drug release, live-cell chemistry, and drug development.</p><h4><strong>Photocrosslinking and drug-target interactions</strong></h4><p>Repka’s group initially aimed to develop visible-light photocrosslinking methods to study drug interactions with biological targets. Photocrosslinking can covalently link a drug to its target, making it easier to identify the biological target of a compound.</p><p>Traditional photocrosslinking often uses UV light, but visible light offers milder and more biologically compatible conditions.</p><h4><strong>From photocrosslinking to solvent activation</strong></h4><p>The project shifted direction when the desired photocrosslinking reactions gave very low yields. Instead of reacting with amino acids as intended, the radical intermediate mainly reacted with itself.</p><p>The team explored different solvents to stabilize the radical, but found that some solvents, such as DMF, were not inert. Instead, the solvent reacted with the photocatalyst or radical species, revealing unexpected solvent activation chemistry.</p><h4><strong>Why LC-MS was critical</strong></h4><p>LC-MS became essential because the reaction mixtures were too complex and low-yielding for NMR or GC-MS. High-resolution LC-MS allowed the team to detect minor products, identify photocatalyst modifications, and observe solvent addition products with high confidence.</p><p>Repka emphasizes that LC-MS was both a qualitative and quantitative tool. It was used quantitatively to measure how much photocatalyst remained after light exposure, and qualitatively to identify degradation products and new reactivity pathways.</p><h4><strong>Photocatalyst stability workflow</strong></h4><p>The team developed a systematic workflow to evaluate photocatalyst stability under light exposure. Because catalyst degradation was time-sensitive, reproducibility required strict control of experimental conditions.</p><p>Key steps included using a glove box, commercial deoxygenated solvents, accurate weighing on a microbalance, controlled light exposure in a photoreactor, and temperature control with a chiller. These precautions helped reduce day-to-day variability and enabled reproducible measurements of catalyst remaining.</p><h4><strong>Quantifying catalyst remaining by LC-MS</strong></h4><p>Calibration curves were prepared using pure photocatalyst solutions and LC-MS ion areas. The team worked in the nanomolar range to maintain linearity.</p><p>Instead of relying only on total ion chromatograms, they used extracted ion chromatograms (EICs) to improve signal-to-noise for the photocatalyst signal. Baseline subtraction was also applied to reduce noise and improve quantitation at low concentrations.</p><p>Calibration curves and quality control samples were prepared and measured on the same day as the reaction samples, because LC-MS signal intensity can vary significantly from day to day.</p><h4><strong>Why GC-MS was used later</strong></h4><p>For demethylation studies, the group moved to GC-MS because the substrates and products were small and volatile enough for gas chromatography. GC-MS was better suited for rapidly screening many reaction conditions, including different photocatalysts, solvents, and oxidants.</p><p>Instead of generating full calibration curves for every experiment, the team used an internal standard to streamline analysis and determine percent conversion based on relative response factors.</p><h4><strong>Practical lessons from the project</strong></h4><p>Repka highlights the importance of careful sample preparation, especially when working with very small quantities of photocatalysts. A high-quality microbalance, stable granite platform, antistatic tools, and aluminum weigh boats improved weighing accuracy and reproducibility.</p><p>She also argues that mass spectrometry should be a standard part of photoredox method development because it can reveal minor products, support reaction optimization, and provide insights that may be difficult or impossible to obtain by NMR alone.</p><h4><strong>Final perspective</strong></h4><p>Beyond the chemistry, Repka emphasizes the importance of student training and mentoring. For her, research is not only about discovering new reactivity but also about giving students practical experience, helping them develop independence, and preparing them for future scientific careers.</p><blockquote><p><strong>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><h4><strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</strong></h4><p>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!</p><p>You can find <strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast </strong>in podcast apps:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185"><strong>Apple podcast</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography"><strong>podscan</strong></a></li></ul><p>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a></p></blockquote>

Using LC-MS & GC-MS to Decode Photoredox Catalyst Stability

Article

Application

Video

Scientists

Interview

Science and research

The University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague is a natural centre of first-rate study and research in the area of chemistry in Czechia and is one of the country's largest educational and research institutions focused on technical chemistry, chemical and biochemical technologies, material and chemical engineering, food chemistry, and environmental studies.

UCT Prague

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LabRulez

Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

Organomation

Agilent Technologies

Technology Networks

Thermo Fisher Scientific

C&EN

Waters Corporation

<p><strong>WEOF is back for 2023, and this time we will do it 100% virtually to allow even more people to participate. But don&#39;t expect to see only some presentations! We have put together for you an interesting agenda with Live Demos, customer talks, and the chance to ask our experts your questions. It will be a great opportunity to learn more about the advancements in oligonucleotide analysis and about the analytical challenges and successes of your peers.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Join our virtual Live Demos</li>
<li>Hear from other scientists like you about their approaches and experiences</li>
<li>Stay up to date with the latest analytical developments for nucleic acids</li>
</ul>
<p>The agenda will be a mix of talks from the scientific community and Waters presentations. We will discuss current analytical needs and show some Live Demos of LC/MS solutions and software:</p>
<h3><strong>AGENDA</strong></h3>
<h5><strong>10:00 Welcome and Short Introduction</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Speaker:</strong> David Muñoz (Waters Corporation)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>10:05 Waters Live Demo: Impurity Analysis by LC/MS</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Speaker:</strong> Emma L Harry (Waters Corporation)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>10:25 Customer Talk: Cytiva Sweden AB</strong></h5>
<h5><strong>Analysis of Oligonucleotides using BioAccord LC-MS</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Speaker:</strong> Filip Bergqvist (Senior Scientist)</li>
</ul>
<p>Topic: intact analysis of oligonucleotides, specifically development/performance with IP-RPC</p>
<h5><strong>10:40 Customer Talk: BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH</strong></h5>
<h5><strong>QC Analytics for mRNA therapies</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Speaker:</strong> Jonas Sander</li>
</ul>
<p>Topic: How BioNTech has masterdto set up QC analytics for mRNQ therapies and the added value of Waters solutions</p>
<h5><strong>10:55 MaxPeak Premier Technology for Oligonucleotide Analysis</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Speaker:</strong> Ali Tiss (Waters Corporation)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>11:10 Waters Live Demo: Software</strong></h5>
<h5><strong>CONFIRM &amp; INTACT app</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Speaker:</strong> Chris Knowles (Waters Corporation)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>11:30 Q&amp;A with Waters</strong></h5>
<p>You ask - our application chemists answer</p>
<h5><strong>11:45 Closing</strong></h5>
<h4><strong>INVITED GUEST SPEAKER</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Filip Bergqvist</strong> (Senior Scientist, Cytiva Sweden AB)</h5>
<p>Filip is leading bioanalytical activities to support product development and application work for bioprocessing. His main expertise is LC-MS, where he is developing methods for characterization of proteins and nucleic acid therapeutics. </p>
<h5><strong>Dr. Jonas Sander</strong> (BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH)</h5>
<p>(further info will follow soon)</p>
<h4><strong>YOUR WATERS HOSTS</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>David Muñoz</strong> (Principal Biopharma Market Development Manager, Waters Corporation)</h5>
<p>David will be your host for this event. He completed his PhD in Biochemistry at Nottingham Trent University, focused on the effects of toxins on glioma cells. After this he joined Lonza to work as a research and development scientist using different analytical techniques to characterize antibodies and proteins. Later he worked for Thermo Fisher Scientific as applications specialist and Biopharma Expert, and as business development manager in two CDMOs,  focusing on antibodies and viral vector projects. David joined Waters in June 2022 as principal biopharma market development manager.   </p>
<h5><strong>Emma L Harry</strong> (European Applications Laboratory Team Manager, Waters Corporation)</h5>
<p>Emma completed her PhD in Analytical Chemistry at Loughborough University, focused on the development of ion mobility mass spectrometry for complex mixtures.</p>
<p>After her post doctoral research at University of Leicester and having worked as analytical scientist at Hall Analytical, using a variety of analytical techniques, Emma joined Waters in June 2019 as a senior applications chemist in the Demo lab in Wilmslow. In 2021 she was promoted to European applications lab manager.</p>
<h5><strong>Chris Knowles</strong> (Senior Applications Scientist, Waters Corporation)</h5>
<p>Chris is currently working as a Principal Domain Specialist (Applications science) at Waters, having been with the company for 5 years.  He works with the Waters informatics teams to help deliver the waters_connect software applications. His focus has been on the CONFIRM Sequence application.  His background is in Bioprocessing, having worked at FUJIFILM Diasynth Biotechnologies for 3 years as a principal scientist in Mammalian cell culture, following completion of a PhD in mammalian cell line engineering at the University of Aberdeen in 2016.</p>
<h5><strong>Ali Tiss</strong> (Sales Specialist Biopharma Chemistry, Europe South, Waters Corporation)</h5>
<p>Ali completed his Ph.D. in biochemistry and structural biology at the Mediterranean University (CNRS, Marseille, France), where he contributed to the R&amp;D of the anti-obesity drug, Xenical®, developed by Roche Ltd. Then, he spent about 20 years of academic research (France, UK, Kuwait) in biochemistry, liquid chromatography, mass-spectrometry, and proteomics, focusing on detecting and characterizing biomarkers related to human diseases (cancer, diabetes, obesity). Ali joined Waters in October 2021 as a BioPharma and New Modalities Specialist in Chemistry for Southern Europe.</p>


Waters Corporation: Waters European Oligonucleotides Forum 2023

Waters European Oligonucleotides Forum 2023

We have put together for you an interesting agenda with Live Demos, customer talks, and the chance to ask our experts your questions. 

<p><strong>Robustness testing is a measure of a method’s ability to remain unaffected by the minor changes of chromatographic parameters. The robustness multivariable design of experiments (DoE) can be used to study the effect of individual parameters and their interaction on the chromatographic resolution between peaks.</strong></p>
<p>The Empower Sample Set Generator (SSG) can be used to automatically create a sample set method, which includes instrument methods, and method sets required to perform the entire study in one run. The Effect Plots generated by the Method Validation Manager clearly show which parameters have the greatest effect on method performance and provides knowledge for establishing a set of controls to assure a method meets the expected criteria during routine use.</p>
<p>Key points of discussion will be:</p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Using the Sample Set Generator with the Method Validation Manager option to easily create Sample Sets needed for the Robustness test</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>The Robustness multivariable design of Experiments (DoE) is easily created to study the effect of parameters and their interaction on chromatographic resolution between peaks</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>The Effect Plot in the Report Publisher can be used to clearly shows which parameters have the greatest effect on method performance</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Join us for a live discussion as we explore Empower 3.8.0. As always, don’t forget to bring your questions for this exclusive opportunity to ask our experts anything about Empower Software</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Neil Lander (Principal Product Manager, Waters Corporation)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Neil has worked for Waters Corporation since 1994 and has held a variety of positions including Technical Support Specialist, Technical Trainer, Manager Customer Education and currently, Principal Marketing Manager focusing on Informatics solutions. He provides internal support for Empower Chromatography Data System and is focused on developing laboratory software solutions that help organizations achieve their scientific and operational objectives. Prior to joining Waters, he was an analytical chemist where he gained experience in both the cosmetics and specialty chemical industries.</p>
</blockquote>


Waters Corporation: Smart Method Development using the Empower Method Validation Manager and the Sample Set Generator

Smart Method Development using the Empower Method Validation Manager and the Sample Set Generator

Using the Sample Set Generator with the Method Validation Manager option to easily create Sample Sets needed for the Robustness test.

Smart Method Development using the Empower Method Validation

<p><strong>Agilent&#39;s Cary 3500 Flexible UV-VIS Spectrometer provides the accuracy and reliability needed for meeting compliance standards.</strong></p>
<p>This presentation will discuss an overview of the instrument&#39;s newest functions as well as the software&#39;s ability to maintain data integrity through Agilent&#39;s OpenLab Platform.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Scott Melis, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Scott Melis has a PHD in Physics from Georgetown University in Washington, DC and started with Agilent in 2021 as a Molecular Spectroscopy Application Scientist. In his graduate work, Scott studied nanoparticle formation and growth for a variety of applications. Projects that he worked with include developing processes to deposit and characterize semiconducting molecular nano-cocrystals for use in optoelectronic devices as well as controlling polymer nanoparticle size through rapid mixing conditions.</p>
</blockquote>


Agilent Technologies: Meeting 21 CFR 11 Compliance with the Cary 3500 Flexible UV-VIS Spectrometer

Meeting 21 CFR 11 Compliance with the Cary 3500 Flexible UV-VIS Spectrometer

We will discuss an overview of the instrument's newest functions as well as the software's ability.

Meeting 21 CFR 11 Compliance with the Cary 3500 UV-VIS

<p><strong>This meeting covers the latest trends and techniques to meet current water and environmental testing demands for emerging contaminants and evolving regulations. Our guest speakers from the water industry and environmental research and testing laboratories will share their expertise on their latest work, analytical workflows, and automation.</strong></p>
<p>Join us and discover valuable insights to maximise testing productivity and instrument uptime, simplify workflows and standardise data workup.</p>
<h3><strong>June 27 (Day 1) Emerging contaminants</strong></h3>
<p>This session will explore PFAS, microplastics, untargeted screening, automation and sample preparation.</p>
<p>Attend the whole day or selected presentations only.</p>
<h5><strong>10:00</strong> Online access opens (Streaming begins 09:30 BST/10:30 CEST)</h5>
<h5><strong>10:30 Opening of the event, welcome and introduction</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Jeff Stubbs (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>10:50 Screening of unknowns using Thermo Scientific Orbitrap MS and Thermo Scientific Compound Discoverer software</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Janine Elliot (Scottish Environment Protection Agency)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>11:20 Biotoxins, seafood safety and mass spectrometry</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Ben Maskrey (Centre of Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>11:50 Determination of microplastics with pyrolysis and GC-MS</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Michael Soll (Frontier Lab Europe)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>12:20</strong> Break</h5>
<h5><strong>12:40 What combustion ion chromatography sum parameter analysis can do for the analysis of PFAS</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Lewis Mark (A1-envirosciences Limited)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>13:10 Use of Thermo Scientific Exploris 120 Orbitrap HRAM-LC-MS for the analysis of 47 PFAS compounds in UK waters</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: John Quick (ALS Environmental Ltd.)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>13:40 Workshop - new untargeted PFAS analysis workflow capabilities within Compound Discoverer software</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Frans Schoutsen (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>14:10</strong> Break</h5>
<h5><strong>15:10 Starting your voyage into PFAS? Tools and protocols to succeed</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Ed George (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>16:10 Workshop - new approaches in performing automation by GC (and LC)</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dan Carrier (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>16:30</strong> Closing of the live streaming event</h5>


Thermo Scientific: Water & Environmental Analysis User Meeting - Day 1

Water & Environmental Analysis User Meeting - Day 1

Streaming live from our Demo Centre in Hemel Hempstead | Join the complete event or the presentations of your choice only.

<p><strong>Focus will be given to the safety, authenticity and quality of food and beverages as well as the future of food products such as meat substitutes and alternative proteins.</strong></p>
<p>This online symposium will cover:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Untargeted food analysis using different MS platforms</strong></li>
<li><strong>Applications of near-infrared hyperspectral imaging in food quality control</strong></li>
<li><strong>Applications of behavioral science in food research</strong></li>
<li><strong>Solid phase micro-extraction for beverage analysis</strong></li>
<li><strong>Challenges and opportunities in fermentation for production of alternative proteins</strong></li>
<li><strong>ELNs to support data management in food and beverage labs</strong></li>
<li><strong>Key strategies for pesticide analysis using GC-MS</strong></li>
<li><strong>Nutritional and toxic plant-based elemental analysis using ICP-MS</strong></li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Brian Quinn, PhD (Head of Mass Spectrometry, Queen&#39;s University Belfast)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Vincent Baeten, PhD (Scientific Director, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Michelle Niedziela, PhD (VP of Research &amp; Innovation, HCD Research)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Erich Leitner, PhD (Professor, Graz University of Technology)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Stefan Cretnik, PhD (Product Manager, PAL System)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Theresa Liao (Content Specialist, SciNote)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Wade Opperman (Manager of the Americas, SciNote)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Moran Farhi, PhD (VP of Research, The Better Meat Co.)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Liyan Xing, PhD (Senior Application Scientist, PerkinElmer)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Anastasia Andrianova, PhD (GC/MS Applications Scientist, Agilent Technologies)</p>
</blockquote>


Technology Networks: Advances in Food & Beverage Analysis 2023

Advances in Food & Beverage Analysis 2023

The third edition of this online symposium will provide industry and academic scientists with the opportunity to hear from experts from across the field.

<p><strong>How about a 20 minute coffee break along with a bite of Empower? Here you go!</strong></p>
<p>What you can learn: </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>What&#39;s the difference between Archive and Backup and why do you need both</strong></li>
<li><strong>The cheapest, the fastest, or the most definitive data management strategy is meaningless if the data is untrustworthy</strong></li>
<li><strong>How including a complementary archive strategy to your existing backup will not only improve efficiency, but can reduce costs and regulatory risk</strong></li>
<li><strong>How both approaches are viable and the business value each one can offer</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Register and prepare a coffee!</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Ralf Schröder (Informatics Product Marketing Europe·Waters GesmbH)</p>
</blockquote>


Waters Corporation: Waters Informatics series #5: Archive vs Backup (Po2)

Waters Informatics series #5: Archive vs Backup (Po2)

What's the difference between Archive and Backup and why do you need both?

<p><strong>In this webinar we’ll see how implementing automation solutions can benefit analytical labs and empower life science researchers with the tools to significantly improve their experiments, obtaining superior data and more reliable outcomes. Join us to learn more about how automation and the connected lab have been utilized to improve analytical method development workflows of scientific researchers.</strong></p>
<p>Method development is a critical, often time consuming, process for analytical laboratories. Imagine being able to create robust and precise analytical methods more quickly by streamlining the optimization process. Through laboratory automation, researchers can rapidly test and refine multiple method parameters simultaneously. Automated equipment performs the tedious and repetitive tasks, and thereby reduces potential errors and variability. Connected with regulatory compliant-ready software, technology transforms laborious manual procedures to error-free, robotic workflows with improved reproducibility and productivity in a fully traceable environment. </p>
<h5>Key Learning Objectives:</h5>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Learn how automation can add efficiency to your method development processes</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Discover the benefits of automating tedious, repetitive tasks</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Be introduced to an ecosystem of connected laboratory automation solutions</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<h5>Who Should Attend:</h5>
<ul>
<li><p>Method Development Scientists </p>
</li>
<li><p>Researchers  </p>
</li>
<li><p>Automation Engineers</p>
</li>
<li><p>Laboratory Managers &amp; Directors</p>
</li>
<li><p>Lab Technicians and Technologists</p>
</li>
<li><p>Project Managers</p>
</li>
<li><p>Companies/Labs/Organizations Involved in Testing and Analysis</p>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Don Trinite (Senior Principal Technical Support Specialist, Waters Corp.)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Meagan Callis (Principal Product Marketing Manager, Waters Corp.)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Kelly McSweeney (Contributing Editor, C&amp;EN Media Group)</p>
</blockquote>


C&EN: Improving Analytical Method Development through Automation and the Connected Lab

Improving Analytical Method Development through Automation and the Connected Lab

In this webinar we’ll see how implementing automation solutions can benefit analytical labs.

Improving Analytical Method Development through Automation

<p><strong>On December 1, 2022 a harmonized standard for General Chapter 621 Chromatography was released. This standard incorporates the USP with 2.2.46. Chromatographic Separation Techniques European Pharmacopoeia (EuPh) and 2.01 Liquid Chromatography Japanese Pharmacopeia (JP) texts. Harmonization of these regulatory guidance provides increased method flexibility through the employment of modernized of chromatographic tools without the need for full monograph re-validation.</strong></p>
<p>The extent to which the various parameters of a compendial chromatographic test may be adjusted without fundamentally modifying the pharmacopeial analytical procedures is defined in U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) General Chapter 621 Chromatography.</p>
<p>In this presentation, we combine the gradient method adjustments described in this chapter to achieve both column and system modernization for the USP monograph separation of antiviral drug abacavir sulfate. </p>
<h5>Key Learning Objectives:</h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Learn how to modernize the HPLC column and reduce operation costs using the USP 621 allowable adjustments</strong></li>
<li><strong>Learn how to modernize the LC platform and further reduce operation costs using the USP 621 allowable adjustments</strong></li>
<li><strong>Leverage Empower CDS fields to apply the updated chromatography reporting calculations</strong></li>
</ul>
<h5>Who Should Attend:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Scientists and lab managers involved with compendial methods with a drive towards modernization, productivity and compliance.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Catharine Layton (Principal Scientist, Scientific Operations, Waters Corporation)</p>
</blockquote>


Waters Corporation: Modernizing LC Methods as per Harmonized USP Chapter 621

Modernizing LC Methods as per Harmonized USP Chapter 621

We combine the gradient method adjustments described in this chapter to achieve both column and system modernization for the USP monograph.

<p><strong>As scientists, we are continually looking for ways to increase productivity and automation to drive laboratory excellence. An advanced chromatography data system (CDS) can play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.</strong></p>
<p>In this webinar, you’ll hear from experts about the impact their CDS has on their laboratory operations and how their choice of CDS has made their lives easier by significantly cutting data processing time and streamlining their workflows. Learn how they ensure that every single process from injecting samples to reporting final results is controlled in one secure, centralized location.</p>
<p>Attend this webinar to:</p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Learn how to accelerate data processing, reporting and reviewing to work faster</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Understand how to simplify your analytical workflows within your CDS to deliver ease of use</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Learn how to take control of your data by securing it in one location</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Laércio Fernandes (Product Market Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Kayleigh Arthur (Lead Validity and Compliance Scientist, Owlstone Medical Ltd)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Brian Alliston (Director, B. Alliston Limited)</p>
</blockquote>


Technology Networks: Next-Level CDS: Boost Productivity and Simplify Operations

Next-Level CDS: Boost Productivity and Simplify Operations

The impact CDS has on laboratory operations and how choice of CDS has made lives easier.

<p><strong>How about a 20 minute coffee break along with a bite of Empower? Here you go!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Empower custom fields and Excel in Empower LMS - not a conflict of interest?</strong></p>
<p>Excel Compliance is designed as the solution for customers operating in a regulated environment to use excel spreadsheet with confidence. It provides full audit trail that is compliant to regulatory requirements for electronic records and signatures. </p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Mitigate the compliance risk of traditional uncontrolled spreadsheets and documents</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Enhanced compliance features such as:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><p>authorized access control</p>
</li>
<li><p>automated version control</p>
</li>
<li><p>document level and cell by cell audit trails</p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Centralize and secure laboratory spreadsheets and documents for use in a regulated environment</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Ralf Schröder (Informatics Product Marketing Europe·Waters GesmbH)</p>
</blockquote>


LCMS webinars focusing on Software - page 31