Riva Returns Alive and Kicking

Q. Riva del Garda will once again play host to the 44th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography (ISCC) and the 21st GC×GC Symposia, on May 17–22, 2026, at the Conference Centre, Riva Del Garda, Italy. This seems a long time away, but the ceremony opening will be here before we know it. Are there any upcoming deadlines that delegates, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors should be aware of?

A: After the pandemic forced us to take a break, Riva will finally be hosting the ISCC and GC×GC Symposia again, every two years. And you are right: It will all kick off before we even realize it!

Important deadlines to meet are February 1, 2026, and March 1, 2026, for oral and poster abstracts, respectively, to be included in the Book of Abstracts (information on the acceptance will be given by April 2026) and April 12, 2026, to benefit from the early-bird registration fees. We plan to have a preliminary program out by April 22, 2026. Other dates of interest can be found at: https://iscc44.chromaleont.it/keydates/

As in the past, the exhibition space will be very large, but we have already received a huge number of requests (around 80% of the space has been covered!), so I would advise interested sponsors to act quickly to avoid being left out.

Q. The conference is split between the 44th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography and the 21st GC×GC Symposia, on May 17–22, 2026. Can you tell us what each of these symposiums offers individually?

A: The ISCC conference will feature an exciting line-up of sessions on capillary gas chromatography (GC), microcolumn liquid chromatography (LC), electromigration methods, and micro-fabricated analytical systems. Attendees can look forward to exploring cutting-edge topics such as lab-on-a-chip technologies, next-generation column design, hyphenated and multidimensional techniques, as well as the latest advances in sampling, sample preparation, trace analysis, and automation.

The GC×GC symposium will be dedicated entirely to comprehensive GC techniques, presenting the state-of-the-art of this ever-evolving approach to obtain unmatched resolution for demanding applications in areas ranging from environmental, petrochemical, food/aroma, and metabolomics. Sessions will cover recent progress in modulation and hardware, the growing role of high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS), and advances in data handling and chemometrics. Application sessions will also look at how new methodological frameworks are moving GC×GC beyond exploratory profiling and toward practical tools for quantitation and informed decision-making.

Both conferences unite analytical chemists, researchers, and industry professionals to explore breakthroughs in chromatography science, creating a vibrant forum for exchanging ideas and driving innovation in the field.

Q. Does the Riva conference have a value that is distinct from other conferences?

A: Over time, Riva has become a benchmark for excellence in capillary LC and GC, GC×GC, as well as shrink-to-fit sample preparation. More than a series of talks, it has offered a global and highly dynamic forum where leading scientists exchanged ideas, drove progress in data processing and miniaturized systems, and showcased the latest advances in MS and column technology.

Apart from an outstanding scientific and professional impact, what sets Riva apart is the ability to combine international scope and reach with a warm, informal setting to spark genuine conversations, mentorship, partnerships, and industry collaborations.

Add an engaging social program to all this, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Garda, and you have the perfect recipe for a conference that, since its very first edition, has become a not-to-be-missed event for the global scientific community.

Q. What are you most excited about for the Riva conference? What do you want to achieve? Is there anything else new or different in the program from previous years?

A: After what has felt like eight very long years since the last edition, I am truly excited and full of expectations for the return of the ISCC and GC×GC symposia. The format and atmosphere of the congress will follow in the footsteps of previous editions, while naturally keeping pace with the changes that have taken place over the years—changes that have affected our community not only from a strictly scientific perspective but also in the ways we communicate and interact.

Digital transformation, open science and data sharing, integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data analytics into many fields have definitely reshaped how knowledge is shared, how scientists interact, and how the community defines itself, with close attention on globalization and inclusivity. Moreover, this year special emphasis will be put on the linkage of capillary chromatography with various forms of MS, as well as on nano- and capillary-LC and miniaturized sample preparation, with a strong focus on data analytics and, importantly, the vital role of sustainable technologies.

Q. Can you tell us more about the plenary speakers?

A: We have already received confirmation from outstanding scientists who have accepted our invitation to frame the big themes, challenges, and opportunities in the field of chromatography, as well as shaping future directions for its advance. You can read names and affiliations of renowned invited speakers at the conference website (https://iscc44.chromaleont.it/invited-speakers/), while more titles are yet to be announced, as well as plenary speakers for the opening ceremony.

Q. What aspects of the conference will be of value to young scientists?

A: The conference will offer young scientists a unique opportunity to make a high-profile debut within the scientific community through oral and poster sessions where they can share their work and receive feedback. Early-career scientists will have the chance to see how science translates into real-world impact and innovation, engage in informal exchanges with thought leaders and advocates, and meet potential collaborators or future employers. Awards or recognition for outstanding student contributions will be announced shortly. Alongside this, we will also offer short courses and tutorials taught by top-level scientists and covering both fundamental basics as well as the most timely topics in the field of capillary LC, GC×GC, sample preparation, and much more.

As a Scientific Committee, we place great importance on supporting young researchers and ensuring they feel part of a welcoming scientific community that embraces newcomers. Aiming to encourage the participation of young researchers at both symposia, several grants and scholarships will be offered by scientific societies and companies, allowing PhD students or academic post-docs to attend and present their work (more information is constantly updated at www.chromaleont.it/iscc).

Q. In today’s digital world—particularly given the many virtual events held since the start of the pandemic—do you think people need to be convinced of the value of attending an in-person scientific meeting?

A: Virtual events have had their place in the past few years, but nothing matches the connections made at an in-person meeting. Those face-to-face moments—whether during a talk, over coffee, or in a hallway—often spark collaborations, mentorship, and ideas that simply don’t happen online. A conference offers more than knowledge; it fosters connections, collaborations, and an experience that builds community.

Q. Putting together a large conference is a lot of work. How will you judge if it was a success?

A: A large attendance is unquestionably a vital indicator of the success of a conference, as turnout reflects the level of interest in the event. But beyond numbers, it’s also about international diversity, a balance between academia, industry, and students, and first-time attendance, a strong engagement and participation in the scientific and social program, the satisfaction of sponsors and exhibitors with exposure, and strengthened relationships with industry partners. Long-term indicators of a successful event will be positive feedback, new collaborations, grants, or commercial partnerships sparked at the event, and finally, growth in the reputation of the conference series. An engaged audience and the enthusiasm to return for future editions will be the greatest reward for all the time and effort poured into putting all this together.

Q. Anything else you would like to add?

A: I truly cannot wait to welcome both familiar faces and new participants to Riva!

Messina Organizing Committee
Luigi Mondello is chairman of the 44th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography (ISCC) and 21st GC×GC Symposium and full professor at the Messina Institute of Technology, c/o Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.
Francesca Rigano is an assistant professor at the Messina Institute of Technology, c/o Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.
Micaela Galletta is a research fellow at Messina Institute of Technology, c/o Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.
Antonio Ferracane is a tenure track researcher at the Messina Institute of Technology, c/o Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.
Mariosimone Zoccali is an associate professor at the Department of Mathematical and Computer Science, Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences, University of Messina, Italy.

For Further Information
Website: https://iscc44.chromaleont.it/
Email: iscc@chromaleont.it
Phone:+39 334-3612788