Key Points:
- Peter Schoenmakers and Bob Pirok launched Analytical Separation Science to fill critical educational and practical gaps in the field. Motivated by evolving demands in analytical chemistry and the increasing complexity of real-world problems, they aimed to create a comprehensive, structured reference that supports both foundational learning and advanced application.
- The textbook caters to readers across all experience levels—from students to seasoned professionals. This design reflects the authors’ goal of building a continuous learning pathway in separation science, enabling growth and skill development at every career stage.
Two leading experts in separation science and active members of LCGC International’s editorial advisory board, Bob W. J. Pirok and Peter J. Schoenmakers, launched a comprehensive new textbook at HPLC 2025 in Bruges, Belgium: Analytical Separation Science, published by the Royal Society of Chemistry and publicized at the conference.
With over 900 pages of expert insight, this book is designed for both students entering the field and professionals seeking to refine their skills. The textbook covers everything from foundational principles to advanced techniques in gas- and liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and more—plus crucial tools like chemometrics and statistical analysis.
In this video interview, we explore their motivations, the future of separation science, and how this textbook can empower the old, the new, and the next generation of analysts and researchers.
Schoenmakers and Pirok spoke to Alasdair Matheson, executive editor of LCGC International, at HPLC 2025 to answer the following questions:
• How did the idea for this book originate, and what motivated you to create a comprehensive guide to analytical separation science at this point in time?
• Separation science has long been a fundamental part of analytical chemistry—what gaps or challenges in education or practice did you hope to address with this book?
• In what ways do you think the role of analytical separations is evolving in emerging fields such as biotechnology, environmental science, or personalized medicine?
• The book is designed for readers at different stages of their careers, from beginners to advanced practitioners. What guided your decision to structure the content into basic, master, and advanced modules, and how did you determine what to include at each level?
• The book includes content on chemometrics and statistical methods. Why do you believe it’s essential for today’s separation scientists to have strong data analysis skills, and how can these skills change the way we interpret results?
• With the rise of digital resources and online learning, did you consider including any internet-based or interactive components, such as supplementary videos, data sets, or simulations, to accompany the book? Are there plans to integrate such tools in the future?
