HPLC2013 will cover the most important advances in HPLC technology. This provides valuable resources for separation scientists seeking practical solutions or a better understanding. The symposium will consist of lectures, tutorials, posters, technical seminars and short courses. The lecture programme is divided into three distinct areas: HPLC MS 2013, HYPERformance LC and High Impact LC.

HPLC MS 2013 will focus on liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Throughout the symposium, one of the parallel sessions (featuring 18 keynote lectures and 39 submitted oral presentations) will be dedicated to mass spectrometry, including ionization methods, quantitation, LC–MS, CE–MS, LC–MS of small and large molecules and data handling. Special sessions will focus on biomedical and biopharmaceutical applications of LC–MS.

High Impact LC will involve 16 keynote lectures, 35 oral presentations and seven discussions and is dedicated to challenging the HPLC community to identify directions of future research and innovation and solve problems that could hinder such advances. There are seven areas that will be investigated: metabolomics, environmental, proteomics, polymers, food, pharmaceutical and forensics. Each section will have an expert who will outline the most important goals in his or her field and how analysis by HPLC can contribute. This is followed by a response on what is currently possible and how this research could possibly develop and the obstacles that need to be overcome. Five speakers will discuss cutting-edge sample-preparation and analysis methods on each subject.

Education is a core concept throughout HPLC2013 and in addition to the comprehensive scientific programme and 21 tutorials there are short courses on Sunday 16 June 2013 covering sample preparation, retention mechanisms, LC–MS, including LC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS–MS) and comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC LC). A stellar cast of chromatographers will be presenting at HPLC2013 and full details can be found at http://www.hplc2013.org/.

The annual Csaba Horváth Award will be at stake for young talented scientists under 35 at the time of their lecture. Last year's winner, Stefan Bruns from Marburg University (Germany), will present in the opening plenary session. A team of experts led by Gerard Rozing will select the best posters. The public may also vote on a popular poster award through a novel high-tech process. All contributing scientists can identify themselves as award candidates when submitting their abstracts. Student grants are available from a number of organizations.

An exhibition of leading HPLC instrument and product vendors is an important part of the HPLC2013 and will run in parallel with the conference. Over 50 exhibiting companies and 1200 participants are expected to attend. There will be approximately 200 oral presentations, 800 posters and seven discussions. Lunches and refreshments are included in the conference fee. All participants can extend their networks by participating in the extensive social programme.

Important deadlines include 1 May 2013 for poster presentations and 1 March 2013 for discounted early bird registration.

Website: http://www.hplc2013.org/ or E-mail: hplc2013@caos.nl