Pittcon 2025 Highlights Drive for Innovation in Laboratory Science

This year, Pittcon took place in Boston, Massachusetts, which is one of the most historic cities in the United States. Perhaps best known for the Boston Tea Party, a defining moment of the Revolutionary War, the city is a haven for history buffs, offering iconic landmarks and world-class museums.

But Boston isn’t just a city of the past—with world-renowned institutions like Harvard and MIT just a stone’s throw away, it has also earned a reputation as a powerhouse of scientific innovation. Boston is consistently ranked among the world’s top biotechnology hubs, home to industry giants like Takeda, Sanofi, and Pfizer.

This made the city a fitting host for this year’s Pittcon conference, which took place from March 1-5, 2025, at the Boston Convention Center. Like Boston's pivotal role in the formation of America, Pittcon has deep roots in the history of analytical science, celebrating its 75th anniversary last year, while continuously driving innovation forward.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Connect. Cultivate. Collaborate,” three verbs that play an important role in any major scientific breakthrough. The conference naturally offered ample opportunities for all three.

The emphasis on connection and collaboration was evident throughout the conference, not just in its theme but also in its programming. Beyond showcasing new research and technological advancements, Pittcon also prioritized career development and networking. This year’s event featured dedicated sessions to help students navigate the diverse career paths in separation science, offering insights into opportunities in academia, industry, government, and more.

The technical program covered a wide range of topics, from cannabis analysis and forensics to machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and life sciences. Muhammad Farooq Wahab, a research engineer scientist at the University of Texas, Arlington, examined the potential of generative AI and signal processing in tackling complex separation science challenges. He discussed how generative AI could serve as an expert "colleague" in solving chromatographic problems, particularly in advanced signal processing techniques like denoising, peak width reduction through deconvolution, and decomposing overlapping peaks.

Another key theme throughout the week was driving innovation and supporting the next generation of analytical chemists. Many sessions highlighted the work of early-career researchers and students. Elham Akbari, a research assistant at Temple University, was honored with the 2025 Young Chemist Award by Metrohm for her work on thermal degradation. Her research explores this technique as a method for breaking down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into less harmful compounds. At Temple University, Akbari focuses on supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) as a potential large-scale remediation strategy, studying its effectiveness under different conditions to advance PFAS treatment solutions.

“It’s a recognition that reassures me that the work I’m doing matters, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward,” Akbari said about the award in an interview with LCGC. “At the same time, I see this not just as a personal achievement but as an encouragement to keep learning, growing, and contributing to the field. There is still so much more to discover and improve upon, especially in tackling environmental challenges like PFAS contamination and water treatment technologies. This award reinforces my commitment to meaningful research.”

There were also plenty of chances to unwind and enjoy Boston—whether it was grabbing a drink at the Museum of Science, exploring the city, or catching up with former colleagues. And of course, I’d be remiss not to mention the “Pittcon Pups”—a small group of adoptable puppies in the convention hall, providing attendees with snuggles and a much-needed mental break.

Next year, Pittcon will be held in San Antonio, Texas, featuring lectures from esteemed experts, including Frances H. Arnold, Professor at Caltech and Director of the Donna and Benjamin M. Rosen Bioengineering Center. Much like the field of analytical science, Pittcon is constantly evolving, pushing boundaries, and fostering innovation and collaboration to address the challenges of the future.

We’ll see you in San Antonio!