Deep in the Heart of Texas: Pittcon is Coming to San Antonio

Pittcon, one of the foremost laboratory science conferences, makes its Texas debut at San Antonio’s Henry B. González Event Center from March 7 to 11. The conference’s technical program of over 1100 sessions provides analytical scientists with direct access to the latest research and developments from an international assembly of top scientists and research pioneers.

The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (Pittcon) is one of the world’s premier gatherings for analytical science, bringing together researchers, instrument manufacturers, educators, and industry leaders from across the globe. From its debut in 1950, Pittcon has evolved from a gathering of local spectroscopy societies to help scientists network and share innovations in laboratory science, quickly growing from a hotel event into a major international multidisciplinary conference spanning analytical chemistry, spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry (MS), materials characterization, bioanalysis, environmental analysis, and emerging technologies. Each year, it features a robust technical program of symposia, oral and poster presentations, short courses, and workshops, alongside a large-scale exposition showcasing the latest laboratory instruments, software, consumables, and services.

For analytical scientists, Pittcon offers unparalleled professional value. The technical program provides direct exposure to cutting-edge research, novel methodologies, and real-world applications across academia, industry, and government laboratories. Attendees can learn about advances in separation science, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), spectroscopic techniques, data analytics, and regulatory science, which are often presented by the scientists who developed or first applied these approaches. The short courses, taught by recognized experts, allow participants to deepen both foundational knowledge and practical skills in an efficient, focused format.

Equally important is Pittcon’s expansive exhibition hall, which is one of the largest of its kind. Here, scientists can evaluate new instruments hands-on, compare competing technologies side by side, and engage directly with developers and applications specialists. These interactions often accelerate problem-solving in the laboratory, inform purchasing decisions, and inspire new experimental strategies.

Beyond the science and technology, Pittcon is a powerful networking platform. It fosters connections among peers, mentors, collaborators, and employers, making it especially valuable for early-career scientists and students. Exposure to diverse disciplines and sectors broadens perspective and sparks innovation. For analytical scientists seeking to stay current, expand their professional network, and shape the future of measurement science, Pittcon is not merely a conference; it is an essential investment in professional growth.

Highlights of this Year’s Exhibition include as Follows:

This year’s Wallace H. Coulter Lecture, “Innovation by Evolution: Bringing New Chemistry to Life” will be presented by Frances H. Arnold, Linus Pauling Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Biochemistry at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). In 2018, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for pioneering the use of directed evolution to engineer enzymes.

Stars at Night Ballroom
Sunday, March 8, 5:15 p.m.,
followed by a Welcome Reception

The Pittsburgh Spectroscopy Award, given annually to a researcher who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in the field of spectroscopy, will be presented to Igor K. Lednev of the University of Albany (SUNY). At this ceremony, Lednev will present his lecture “Raman Spectroscopy and Machine Learning for Forensic Purposes Biomedical Applications.”

Sunday, March 8
1:40 p.m. to 2:20 p.m., Room 221B

The Pittsburgh Conference Achievement Award, given annually to a researcher who has made a significant and independent impact in analytical chemistry within the first ten years after their doctoral degree, will be presented to Xin Yan, an associate professor of chemistry at Texas A&M University. At this session, Yan will present “Microdroplet Mass Spectrometry for In-Depth Lipidomics.” Other scheduled speakers at this ceremony include Robert Graham Cooks of Purdue University (“Accelerated Synthesis and Analysis of Lipids Using Microdroplets”), Jennifer Brodbelt of the University of Texas at Austin (“New Frontiers in Ultraviolet Photodissociation Mass Spectrometry for Characterization of Biological Molecules”), Abraham Badu-Tawwiah of The Ohio State University (“Coupling Accelerated Microdroplet Reactions on LC-MS Systems: Toward Absolute Quantification and Characterization of Lipid Isomers’), and David Russell of Texas A&M University (“Integrated Native ESI-IM-MS Studies for Thermodynamic Comparison of H₂O vs. D₂O on Protein Complex-ligand Binding Reactions”).

Tuesday, March 10
8:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., Room 221A

The Ralph N. Adams Award in Bioanalytical Chemistry recognizes significant contributions to the field of bioanalytical chemistry, with the recipient having to have introduced a significant technique, theory or instrument, or applications thereof, important to the life sciences. This year’s recipient, Scott A. McLuckey of Purdue University, will speak on “Ion/Ion Reactions for Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry” as part of his award ceremony.

Monday, March 9
1:40 p.m. to 2:20 p.m., Room 221B

Our sister publication, LCGC International, will be awarding two special awards at the conference: The LCGC Lifetime Achievement in Chromatography and LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Awards. These will be presented to Professor Jack Henion and Associate Professor Bob Pirok, respectively, at a special award symposium.

Tuesday, March 10
1:30 p.m. to 4:40 p.m., Room 221A

For more information on these and other sessions, as well as the full scope of experiences and opportunities Pittcon has to offer, visit their website at https://pittcon.org.