The 19th International Symposium on Hyphenated Techniques in Chromatography and Separation Technology (HTC-19)

Over the past 30+ years, the HTC symposium series has established its reputation as a premier forum for exchanging ideas on hyphenated and automated separation systems across a wide variety of applications. HTC-19 will be held May 26–29, 2026 at the University of Leuven, which is celebrating its 600^th anniversary. Organized by the Free University of Brussels (VUB), the University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Ghent University, and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC, UK), the conference will take place in the heart of the historical city center. This four-day event will feature recent findings from leading academic and industrial experts in chromatographic, electrophoretic, and mass spectrometric techniques, covering both fundamental aspects, recent instrumental developments, and state-of-the-art applications. Historically, the HTC symposium series has served as a gateway between academic research and industrial implementation. The extensive opportunities for interaction between exhibitors, industrial participants, and academic attendees aim to maximize the cross-pollination of ideas, concepts, and enthusiasm among all actors in the field of hyphenated techniques in chromatography. There is therefore a strong and enduring bond between the HTC meetings and suppliers of hyphenated systems and equipment. Instrument and equipment vendors will showcase their latest technologies in a large integrated exhibition area, which will also host catering, poster presentations, and vendor seminars featuring recent innovations.

The program will feature state-of-the-art overview lectures, keynote talks, and oral presentations. In addition, tutorials will be offered to introduce specific topics to newcomers in the field. The HTC-19 program will encompass both fundamental developments in chromatographic performance and a wide range of application areas. Fundamental topics will include column and detector technology, computational chromatography, advances in method development, achieving high peak capacity, high-throughput analysis, data treatment and complexity management, data mining and curation, and hyphenated electro-driven systems. Dedicated hyphenated sample preparation sessions will be co-organized by the sample preparation network of the Division of Analytical Chemistry of the European Chemical Society (EuChemS-DAC). The conference will explore trends and emerging technologies across diverse application fields, including (bio-)pharmaceuticals, bio-analytical applications, metabolomics, medical and clinical research, food and beverage, environmental studies, natural products, green hyphenated chromatography and energy. A broad number of distinguished researchers have been invited to further strengthen the scientific program, including Leon Barron, Jan Christensen, Gert Desmet, Hans-Gerd Janssen, Emma Schymanski, Caroline West, Metin Tolan, Valérie Pichon, Erwin Rosenberg, Elia Psillakis, Jackie Mosely, Jean-François Focant, Peter Van Broeck, Melissa Dunkle, Koen Sandra, Filip Cuyckens, and Pierre-Hugues Stefanuto.

To encourage scientific exchange and networking, the conference will be complemented by a rich social program featuring a welcome reception at the prestigious University Hall (one of Leuven’s most beautiful heritage buildings), a Belgian beer and specialties tasting and networking event, a conference dinner, and a farewell cocktail. Several awards will be presented during the event, including the 2026 HTC Innovation Award, sponsored by LCGC International, which recognizes the most innovative achievements in hyphenated techniques that make a positive societal impact. The HTC Award will be presented for the most original and inventive conference contribution, while a series of poster awards will honor the best-presented posters. The conference will be preceded by several in-lab/hands-on short courses on Tuesday, May 26, covering topics such as two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC), artificial intelligence (AI)-based method development, nano-LC–mass spectrometry (MS), comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC), and capillary electrophoresis (CE). Finally, HTC-19 will also feature a job market, offering both participants and external attendees seeking positions involving hyphenated systems the opportunity to meet potential employers.

Tel: + 32 16 37 95 23

Email: info@htc-19.com

Website https://htc-19.com